Setting Priorities
Howard Hendricks
One of the biggest mistakes that can be made at a planning session is to directly or indirectly say to our leaders, "What can you do to help me pull off my objectives?"
Howard Hendricks
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isions, as compelling as they are, are not enough. It is one thing to know what this church can be; it is another thing, and far more difficult, to know how to get there. Leaders wrestle with pressing practicalities: What do we tackle first? And second? Can we afford to leave anything for later? With so much to be done, and every contemplated action a good one, how do we sort the good from the very good from the best? What is truly essential?
Offering insight on these questions is Howard Hendricks, a nationally recognized Christian educator. After ministering in a number of local churches, he joined the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary, where he has served for the last thirty-six years. He is chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership, is in constant demand for clergy and lay conferences, and is heard daily on a syndicated radio program, "The Art of Family Living." Dr. Hendricks is the author of three books, including Heaven Help the Home! (Victor).
In this interview you'll see the practical suggestions, radiant good will, and relaxed humor that have made Howard Hendricks beloved by students and colleagues alike.
If you were to call the church staff and/or lay leaders together for a planning retreat, what questions would you want the group to discuss before launching another year of ministry?
At the beginning of any new ministry year, a church must evaluate its past performance. I would use three questions:
1. "What are we doing well? What are our strengths?" If you don't capitalize on your strengths, you tend to minister on the basis ...
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