Declare it!

This Month’s Emphasis: Declare
You’ve worked hard this summer on planning a purposeful fall schedule of ministry. You prayed about the needs of those you are ministering to; you researched various ministry options; you coordinated with your team. You tied up the loose ends and put all of the details in order. Now, it’s time to get your message out.

Step #1: Declare your events among your teamThe first and very important stop when declaring your fall schedule is your ministry team. Of course, they were a part of creating the schedule – and they must be included in its debut. Having your team members on board is critical. It is imperative that your team has a clear and thorough understanding of not only the events you have scheduled, but also the big-picture plan for the semester.

Step #2: Enlist team members to be your voice and echoWhen they ‘get it’ they’ll communicate it! You and your team should be one voice as you begin to disseminate the information. Encourage your team to talk-up the upcoming events. A chorus of voices is always more powerful than singing solo.

Step #3: Provide tools that communicate“Ideas stick when they move from the lips to the fingertips.” One mistake that leaders make is they assume that others have thought about their events with as much urgency as them. This simply isn’t the case. As leaders, we have to meet our people where they are at – and not expect them to come to us. Get your ideas on paper. Publish a semester schedule. Create simple invitations for each event.

Step #4: Communicate the benefit, not just the eventFormulate a clear, concise vision for your event. People must see that this event adds value to their life. They need to understand how it helps them know God and/or others; grow in their relationship with Jesus; go in ministry.
• Why are you holding these events?
• Why should someone attend?
• What spiritual benefit does this offer?
• Where is this taking me on my spiritual journey?
• What is the next step following this event?
• How does this fit into the big picture of Storehouse Church?