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I was reading a recent article in Time magazine talking about the problem at General Motors (GM). In the final report on the breakdown of communication, they identified a problem of “informational silos”. The report talked about the idea that the engineers who designed the air bags did not talk to the engineers who designed the ignition system. If both had communicated, they would have known that once the ignition switch went to the “off” position, the air bags were ineffective.

Silos are a common site in my neck of the woods. As with many things in the country, they have changed. Most farms now put all the silos or grain bins in the same area. This allows a more effective way to monitor your storage and prevent spoilage. Each bin or silo contains one type of crop. In our area, they either hold corn or soybeans. Farmers also have to be careful of the moisture content they place in each bin. If they are going to “dry” the corn, they add wet corn into the bin. If the bin is composed of dry corn, they do not want to add too much wet corn. The idea is to keep everything regulated and separate.

I started to wonder about our ministries. For GM, this mentality produced a number of problems, even leading to death in some cases. I started to wonder if our church had “informational silos” within it. I know that many times, the pastor can be the last one to know, so it is very possible. What is the impact when the adults don’t know what the kids are learning in their classes? What is the impact when I do not share my preaching theme with the worship people? Could my silo be hurting our effectiveness?

I struggle, because I have been able to see the hand of God when I don’t share and I actually build informational silos. It is amazing to see what the worship leaders choose to sing and how that theme fit perfectly with the message. It is encouraging to see how the Holy Spirit brings the whole thing together. In those situations, the “silos” allow me to see the hand of God at work.

THOT: I am not sure how I feel about this one. I can see the importance of breaking down “informational silos” for an effective organization. But I also see the value of allowing the Holy Spirit to be the one who communicates effectively between the “silos”. Going to be pondering this one for some time.

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In a rural area, certain mindsets are built into the DNA of the culture. The idea that you can “do it yourself” is one of those mindsets. Some of that thinking is necessary. When the tractor breaks down in the middle of a 40 acre field and the crops need to be planted, you figure out a way to fix it. When the part you need is a special order part that will take 1 week to get to you, you figure out a way to keep things going. “Doing it yourself” is really a way of thinking that ensures your survival in the country.

I have always had this mindset, long before I moved into the country. Doing it myself was a way to learn, grow, and stretch. It expanded my experiences and allowed me to be more knowledgeable about many things. When we built a new church 14 years ago, we did all the work ourselves. The only thing we hired done was digging the well and the installing insulation. Everything else we did at a great cost of time, blood, sweat, and tears. As a church we are faced with another building project in our future. As we contemplate our approach, we find ourselves deciding to “hire” some of the projects.

I faced the same decision this week at my home. Wind had recently damaged my roof. I have roofed this house on 2 occasions. It is extremely high (almost 30 feet off the ground at one point) and extremely steep (about a 10/12 pitch). My wife and I decided it would be best to hire someone else to do the roof at this time. Last week a crew of 9 people will show up and finish the job of installing 1700 square feet of shingles. All I did was watch and take care of the crew making sure they have lunch and plenty of water available.

I have noticed a dramatic change in my attitude concerning my roof. In the last few weeks, I was trying to figure out how I could work this project into my summer schedule. I found myself thinking constantly about the challenge. Since I signed the contract with the roofer, my attitude I felt incredibly free. My biggest decision now was do I serve them barbeque or hamburgers for lunch? This project was now enjoyable and took a large burden off my shoulders. I think you can see the parallels to ministry.

I am starting to realize over the course of ministry, I have developed an “I can do that” mentality. I know how I want it done and I have taken that job on my plate. I spend plenty of time and focus on things other people can do. No, the roofers will not roof the way I would do it and yes, there are some things I could do differently. But I now experience a freedom to focus and spend my summer on other projects. When we allow others to do ministry, we will find the same freedom.

THOT – What items in your ministry do you need to let go of? Are there projects on your plate that could be done by someone else, even if they do it differently? If ministry is really about “equipping people to do the work of ministry”, how can we equip people if we are doing the work?

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Recently my kids have introduced me to the board game “Settlers of Catan”. I think it should be required for anyone in ministry. For those of you who are not familiar with the game, I would describe it as a combination Risk, Monopoly, and Tetris. the games begins with you determining a strategy for winning the game. All of your decisions at the beginning of the game are based on that strategy. As the game progresses and other people interfere with your strategy, you must adapt and adjust accordingly. Your strategy has to constantly change throughout the game based on your actions and the actions of other players.

In the course of over 30 years of ministry spanning 4 states and 4 very different types of ministries, I see numerous parallels to this game. When I began in ministry, I had a number of plans, visions, and goals as to what I wanted to accomplish with my life. Through different life events, I have had to adapt and change. The desires of my heart remain the same, but they have been “fleshed” out in ways that I never imagined.

I think it is important that as leaders, we realize that we have to be willing to adapt and change as God leads. In “Settlers”, you are constantly evaluating and adjusting to reach your goal of winning the game. In ministry, you must be willing to do the same. I am not suggesting that we compromise our core foundational beliefs. But I am suggesting that we have to be willing to change our approach to how we do ministry.

In my current ministry we are in the middle of this process. We are currently evaluating our original plans for growth. We now find ourselves looking into other options and directions. We are in the process of adjusting our paths and procedures while maintaining a clear focus on our end goal which has never changed.

THOT – Have you gotten to the point in ministry where you are so focused on the plan or the path, that you have lost sight of your real goal? Are you willing to consider other ways or paths to accomplish your goals? Could you be missing a new direction and opportunity because you are unwilling to change your original plans? I have never won the game “Settlers of Catan” without changing and adapting my strategy to the players around me. Could your current ministry strategy be holding your ministry back?

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Last week we came back from our annual “out of the box” Texas trip. While there were a number of adventures, my favorite was our fly fishing trip. Our host had set up an afternoon of fly fishing on the Guadeloupe River. Apparently this river is one of the top fly fishing rivers in the United States. Fly Fishing happened to be one of my bucket list items, so I really enjoyed the day. Unfortunately, we learned why it is called “fishing” and not “catching”. We had a great time anyway and ate at a catfish place on the way home.

Before we got on the river, our outfitter spent some time on the shore teaching us the art of casting. I am a bass fisherman, so the whole idea of casting the line instead of the lure was more difficult than I anticipated. After about 45 minutes of lessons and practice, our guide started preparing the flies. He was explaining the process behind catching trout. He told us why he had selected the particular flies we were using. He talked about how the fish often wait for the fly to float downstream. Before he tied the final fly, he added a small hook with a colorful piece of rubber on a short leader. He then explained to us the purpose of the “attractor” as he called it.

It seems that we were near the end of the season for trout and that many of them were wiser and more sluggish. He explained that the “attractor” was used to get the attention of the fish. He said sometimes they will attack the “attractor”, so it has a small hook attached. Often, the “attractor” works to get the attention of the fish and then the fish notices the fly that is coming downstream.

This got me to thinking about the application to rural ministry. I realize that in rural ministry people are slow to trust and come to church. It is a long process for most people to make a commitment to a rural ministry and many are very hesitant. They remind me of that late season trout who is content to simply wait. I am starting to think about our ministry and how this principle relates to “fishing for men”. I am wondering what we are doing to “attract” people to the message of Christ? I am not talking about the old days of bigger and better Sunday gimmicks. I am thinking about the things that make people in our community curious to seek more information about who we are and what we are all about.

THOT – What are the “attractors” that you are developing and using to make people in your community curious about the gospel? Could a simple principle from fly fishing be something that would enhance our ministry to our community?

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This week is one of the highlights of my year. A number of years ago a friend starting inviting my wife and I along with 2 other couples to southern Texas for a time of fellowship and encouragement. In the course of the last 5 years, this annual pilgrimage has had a tremendous impact on my ministry. I do not have any responsibilities for 5 days. My only job is to show up with a willing and teachable spirit to try new things. I have to be willing to step out of my comfortable box and routine. Each year we are exposed to unique opportunities that are outside of our comfort zones. We all participate together and no one is allowed to “opt out”. We even attend a Spanish / English-speaking church and sing familiar worship songs with words that are hard to pronounce. We eat different foods, and have plenty of unique and unusual experiences.

Over the years I have flown a plane, hunted wild hogs, run a quarter mile drag strip, sang Karaoke, judged a local car show, had a cooking lesson, fished in the gulf, and even gone to get a manicure and pedicure. While we each turned in our “man card” for the morning, everyone would sign up for the pedicure thing again in a heartbeat. Our host explained to us that we needed to experience the relaxation of a pedicure so that we would better be able to surprise our wives by giving them a certificate for a manicure or pedicure. We have made a number of new friends over the years and love the fellowship and excitement of being together. We spend hours in discussions and we have no special agenda. Our goal is to have some “real” conversation and I always come away refreshed, exhausted and challenged.

As I look back over the years, I see the benefit has been to get “uncomfortable”. I like my routine and I feel “safe” in my comfort zone. Often in ministry, we get too comfortable and start to get real nervous when we head into seasons of uncertainty. This annual event allows me to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. I now see it as a necessary part of life. In order to really experience the joys, thrills, and fulfillment of life, you have to go through a process of being uncomfortable. I now embrace those times in ministry and realize they will produce a ministry that is full of unique and incredible experiences.

THOT – If you find yourself in a season of uncertainty, be careful of trying to escape that time as soon as possible. In the uncertainty, there are lessons to be learned and opportunities to stretch yourself. Are you “embracing” your season of uncertainty? Have you learned the art of being comfortable with being uncomfortable? I am reminded that our Lord set a great example of coming in flesh which Paul describes in Philippians 2 as the ultimate example of being uncomfortable.

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In the 1980 Winter edition of Leadership Journal there was an article comparing ministry to a poker game.   HOW TO WIN AT PARISH POKER (Pastoral credibility can be parlayed into great gains–or squandered.)  by Leith Anderson  You can try the link above (may or may not work)

The article basically talks about “earning your chips”.  This article helped me over the years by knowing when to make an “All in” call.  Too many Pastors believe their title gives them the opportunity to call “all in”  or a “my way or the Highway” decision.  In my current ministry, I have had to make a few of those calls.  I did not take them lightly and everyone knew that I did not make unnecessary threats.  The key to surviving those situations is twofold.  First you must know how many “chips” you have earned. Second, you must know which hills you are willing to die on. 

I think too many Pastors make major mistakes in these two areas.  “Earn” your chips.  Often you are considered a “hireling”   If you are in a ministry or a denomination that has a frequent turnover (3-4 years), then these people will outlast you.  They were in the ministry before you and will be there after you.  So any bad decision you make means that they will have to live with the consequences, because you will be long gone.  I have “earned my chips” in my current ministry.  The board knows that any idea I want to implement means I will also be around to deal with the success or failure of that idea.  I have incredible freedom as long as I do not think that I have incredible freedom. 

Secondly, know what hill you will die on.  Anderson refers to this as your focus  for ministry.  I have found that in the course of ministry battles arrive on a constant basis.  As a leader, I have to fight the battles, but I don’t have to win every battle.  There are times it is wiser to allow someone else to fight the battle for  me or simply decide to let that battle go.  Which battle you choose often determines your destiny in a ministry.  When I have to take a strong stand as a leader, I am willing to die on that hill.  I have never made an ultimatum that I was willing to act on.  Those battles and issues are very few, but I know what they are and after 20 years, my board knows them as well.  I have watched too many Pastors leave ministries over issues that they should have simply not fought.

THOT – Are you earning your chips?  Have you foolishly squandered some of your chips in your response to issues that really don’t matter? If you are in a smaller church ministry, realize your chips will be earned over time and by developing relationships. 

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Last week my financial guy called for a meeting.  He wanted to go over my retirement stuff.  The church leadership wanted to help me get a retirement plan started a few years ago, so we did.  I am not a money guy and would live off the barter system if it was possible, but money seems to be a necessary part of life.  As my financial guy went over my stuff, he keep talking about the various markets and the percentages that he was shooting for in my portfolio.  He wanted to make sure my portfolio was diverse and not focused too heavily in one area.  It got me to thinking about how that lesson has applied to my ministry over the years.  I think one of the things that has helped me stay healthy was personal diversification.

Early in ministry my entire life and being was focused on ministry.  I had very few outside interests.  Anything I did was ministry related, even my hobbies.  While this was helpful when things were going good, it was devastating when the church was struggling.  I found my value and worth attached to the success or failure of the ministry at the time.  Over the years, I have learned to diversify my life.  I have worked hard to be a husband and distance that role from ministry.  I enjoy time with my 2 boys and my daughter in law.  I have gotten involved in community theater, judging high school speech, restoring old things, and even learning glass fusing.  I try to keep them balanced so those things do not take away from ministry, but rather enhance my personal well being.

When the church is struggling, those things allow me to be “successful” in other areas.  I find satisfaction in doing some of those things well.  My life and value is not “consumed” with ministry alone.   The ministry can go through its normal ebb and flow and I can maintain a more even focus.  I can be emotionally and spiritually healthy to help the ministry better weather that storm.

I guess my challenge is for you to make sure your are diversified or well balanced in your life.  If everything is centered around the ministry, you will find yourself more prone to discouragement when difficult times come.  I no longer have the approach that ministry is my life.  Ministry is what I do, it is not who I am.  I am so much more than the specific church that I am called to Pastor.  I love my church and the people God has called me to Pastor, but I have a life outside of ministry.  In fact, you should see some of the glass stuff my son and I create.

THOT – How diversified is your life?    Have you allowed the “ministry” to become who you are instead of what you do?  You are so much more than the job you are called to perform. My prayer is that you become the balanced person God has called you to be.

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Both of my sons serve in the Air National Guard.  One is a full time DOD employee and other serves as a traditional Guard member.  When you enter the military, you sign a commitment for a specified length of time.  The initial commitment for both of my sons was 6 years.  At the end of that time you decided whether you want to “reup” or to discontinue your service.  Next year my youngest will have to decide what he will do, so we are having discussions about what his long term military plans are.

Without realizing it, I have always had a similar approach to the ministry.  My initial commitment to my current ministry was only on a part time basis as a bi-vocational pastor.  Later, I committed to stay for 5 years and then allow God to move me at that time.  If other opportunities came along and they did, I just told them I would have to wait.  When things here got tough (and they did), I reminded myself of my commitment and tried to get things as healthy as I could until that 5 year period had come.  By the time it got here, I found myself ready to” re-up”.  I think this approach would be helpful for many pastors.

Over the 6 years I have listened to both my sons talk about good and bad leaders they have had.  If it was easy to get out, neither one of them would have stayed the entire 6 years.  There are certain situations in which they can leave, but it is difficult and not without great costs to them.  The military has spent too much time, money, and effort on their training.  If they leave before their commitment, it will cost them.

The same is true of ministry.  I think too many pastors do not really weigh the long term costs.  They allow the situation or the circumstances to become a major factor.  They allow key people to become the focus and lose sight of the  commitment.  One way that I protected myself was through my personal commitment to a predetermined set time.  I never signed anything or had any kid of formal agreement, but I had a personal commitment.  It protected me in so many ways.  I did not start looking a other ministry opportunities when things got tough.  I had a set time I would do that, but not in the middle of a crisis.  I counsel people to never make a major decision when you are in the middle of a difficult time, and that advice applies to pastors as well.

THOT – Have you set a “re-up” time for your current place of ministry?

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