fbpx
youth ministry, youth worker, 5 things leaders say

Leading Church Meetings

By Doug Franklin June 15, 2010

For all of us leaders, running meetings become more than just getting information out. They are times of casting vision for our followers, navigating obstacles, and meeting the needs of the ministry. Most people come to meetings thinking “I wonder how long this going to last,” or “I can’t believe I am going to another meeting.” We are busy people and most of the church meetings we go to are a waste of time. I believe that if we’re going to have a good church meeting, we have got to have a strong start. Otherwise, they’ll be watching the clock until its over.

We change our team’s expectation by doing the following 3 things

1. Be PASSIONATE about PURPOSE. Meetings have to start with why we are there and what we want to accomplish. This will communicate to people that you believe something important is about to take place and that you are fully engaged. By you being fully engaged, your energy and focus become contagious. And telling people what you want to accomplish in the meeting gives them the impression that they aren’t going to waste their time by being there.

2. Vision. You must help people understand how their participation in this meeting is going to make things better in your ministry. This goes beyond the “why” of the meeting, to how their personal involvement changes things. Remember, when people feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves, they go all in. This includes church meetings.

3. Instruction. Be clear about how you want them to participate. Honestly, no one wants to go to a meeting and just hear you talk. Convince your team that you want their thoughts and ideas. Its so important for people to know that you care about what they think, say, and feel. And that you’re wide open to engage with them on any idea.

Having a strong start to your meetings will communicate that you are a leader worth following. People will understand your passion, the purpose, and the results.

About the Author

Doug Franklin

Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners  who never leave their side. Doug grew up in…  Read More