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In This Issue...
Articles
- A Theology of Humor by Cheryl Taylor
- Ministering With Humor by Stephanie Nance
- Christian Leaders Having Fun? by Pam Morton with Kathy Jingling
- The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter by Dwenda Gjerdingen, MD, MS
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Book Reviews
- Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins
- The Purse-Driven Life by Anita Renfroe
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Strategic Management of Your Ministry Toolbox
By Dr. Peggy Jo Wobbema
Dr. Peggy J. Wobbema is currently a staff chaplain at Cox Health Systems and director of pastoral care at Select Specialty Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
What are your plans for increasing the usefulness of the tools you currently have, and what are your plans for acquiring new tools?
My brother, Dan, is a finishing carpenter. One day when we were talking about the tools of his trade — levels, tape measures, hammers, and saws — Dan emphasized the importance of his saws. He said it was vital to maintain the saw blades. They must always be kept sharp, for blunt blades could ruin fine pieces of wood trim. He also explained how he uses different blades for different job requirements. His other tools also have to be maintained or replaced periodically to maintain proficiency in his trade.
This conversation with my brother caused me to consider the tools of my own trade — ministry. Developing a method of strategic management of your ministry toolbox is essential in order to remain sharp, like my brother's saw blades.
Analyze Your Tools
In the business world, there is a tool called SWOT Analysis. This method of strategic management looks at four different areas: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By honestly examining each area the business (or in our case, an individual) is able to see areas that are beneficial and functioning properly and those areas that need further improvement or wisdom on how to improve.
Perform your own analysis of your personal life and ministry. How would you define your strengths? Your weaknesses? What do you see as opportunities for greater effectiveness in your realm of ministry? What are the threats that potentially can derail your calling? It is often easy to make a list of weaknesses; it seems to be an area that is always before us. Yet, according to John Maxwell, in order to grow we need to maximize our strengths and accommodate our weaknesses. This is an interesting concept when you couple it together with the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The emphasis is not on the weakness, but on Christ whose strength is perfected in our weakness.
Add New Tools
In 2 Peter 1:3-11, we are introduced to a list of tools that should be a part of our ministry toolbox. These verses remind us that God's divine power has provided for us everything to be victorious in our both our personal walks with Christ and the ministry He has called us to. The tools of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love are to be in your ministry toolbox, sharp and ready for use at any time. Effectiveness and productivity are the result of keeping these tools sharp and in working order. Other tools are gifts of the Spirit and effective study of God's Word.
What other tools are needed? What tools are required for your area of ministry? Did you need to learn a new language in order to reach the people God has called you to minister to? Does your ministry require a certain level of education? Does your ministry require continuing education in order to stay current or maintain professional certification? What are your plans for increasing the usefulness of the tools you currently have, and what are your plans for acquiring new tools? What books have you read lately that increase your knowledge in your area of expertise?
The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to be an active student of the Word. He also encouraged him to persevere in the faith and to not give up. To be always growing, always studying and learning, is essential to effective ministry. What you have in your life toolbox is essential to the health of both your personal life and ministry.
Maintain Your Tools
Recently, my home had a complete makeover. One of the workers asked if I had pliers to loosen the washing machine hose. I went to my small toolbox and could not find my pliers. I was sure I had a pair. I then noticed how messy my little toolbox was and told myself that I must get it reorganized and get all my tools in one place where they are easily accessible when needed. It made me wonder how scattered my ministry tools were. I realized that it was time for an honest assessment of my ministry toolbox to see what needs to be sharpened, cleaned up, replaced, or added.
How about you? What does your toolbox look like?
