30 in 30: Plan One Big Thing

This is part of a blog series that has 30 practical tips for the pastor looking to start or restart well. You can get the entire series as a Kindle book. The landing page will be updated with each new post.

Up to this point the focus has been on being and things to avoid as opposed to things that you should start. It may be prudent to not do much early on, but it is not realistic. Eventually you have to start.

You have been hired for a reason and people (elders, other staff, congregants) are going to expect you to actually do something. Hopefully you have found it hard to tap the brakes because it is much easier to slow down than it is to get started. Seth Godin has made a career on encouraging people to take action, and it has resonated because it does produce results.

Side note: if you find yourself stuck in a place of inaction you need to explore the fear or uncertainty that is holding you back. There is an underlying issue here that is only going to become more of a hindrance to your ministry and self-leadership.  

So in that first month you need to cash in some of that relational equity and goodwill that comes in the honeymoon stage (don’t worry it will end soon enough). Put into motion a big event, program, or a creative experience. Just makes sure that you involve others in pulling it off.

First you get to share what could be. Rookie Pastors sometimes believe that casting vision begins and ends with words spoken from stage or written statements. We know that all of our well crafted words fall flat without corresponding action. Leaders have to go first and show people what it looks like. By rolling something new out you get a chance to cast your vision in a more complete way.

Second, as you plan one big thing you have a chance to bring people into the process thus creating all-important buy in. One of the most important thing you can do as a pastor and a leader is to help people find ways to use their gifts and talents for the sake of the Kingdom.

People see it, they live it and advocate for it. Besides you can’t do all on your own anyway.