Every pastor knows the feeling. You need to be at the hospital, in the study, and at home-at the same time. If I could just clone myself, we think. While that's not yet an option, it is possible to multiply our effectiveness by finding and equipping others to take on leadership roles that we currently shoulder alone.

As a pastor for twenty-six years, John Maxwell has felt the frustration and joy ...

Topics:	Character, Commitment, Development, Empowerment, Mentoring, Motivation, Shepherding, Spiritual leadership, Supervision, Team building
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Shepherd
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 2:2
Date Added:	July 12, 2007

Hebrews 13:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:15

It has been said the difference between motivation and manipulation is the quenching of thirst. If so, the key for leaders is to look for thirsty people and identify their thirst. Effective motivators ask themselves, What kind of water do I have to satisfy that kind of thirst?

How can we bring out the best in people?

1. Establish a friendly atmosphere. When we've genuinely motivated someone, we can look that person in the eye and know we have an honest, friendly relationship between us.

Topics:	Leadership, Management, Motivation, Supervision, Volunteer care, Volunteers
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 13:17
Date Added:	July 12, 2007

Josh was one of the most zealous workers we'd seen at church, but I realized he was three steps beyond "weary in well doing" when I read his letter:

"My walk with the Lord is nonexistent. I've allowed the pressure of church work to crowd out time with God. Now it seems impossible to get back in touch with him. We've also gotten seriously into debt, and I've been trying to do "ministry" while working ...

Topics:	Burnout, Management, Recruiting, Supervision, Volunteer care, Volunteer recruitment, Volunteers
Filters:	Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Timothy 1:6
Date Added:	July 12, 2007

Years ago I took on a full-time, volunteer role in my church. Within the first few weeks, I sensed the chemistry going bad between my supervisor (the senior pastor) and me.

For instance, I would state a new idea and receive a lackluster response. When he would ask about the progress of certain projects, he didn't offer any input. But he seemed dissatisfied.

...

When I asked him if something was wrong, ...

Topics:	Calling, Delegation, Empowerment, Management, Recruiting, Supervision, Volunteer care, Volunteer recruitment, Volunteers
Filters:	Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6
Date Added:	July 12, 2007

Often our Sunday schools, confirmation classes, and youth programs parallel the public education experience—we send the subliminal message that education is for children. The sooner you're through with it, the better. But, with the right tools, that attitude can be turned around.

Respond to each of the statements below by checking the box that best describes your church: "We do this well," "We ...

Topics:	Adult education, Christian education, Communication, Empowerment, Management, Pastors, Sunday school, Supervision
Filters:	Bible study, Christian education, Pastor, Preaching, Sunday school, Sunday school
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Exodus 18:20-21, Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 5:2-5
Date Added:	August 21, 2007