Setting and Achieving Ministry Goals: A Smart Approach for Church Staff
Goal setting is a common practice that often ends in frustration for many. This may be especially true when setting ministry goals in unpredictably varied church environments. So, how can we set ministry goals that are not merely hopes or good intentions but have substance and longevity?
> Making SMART Ministry Goals
When setting ministry goals, it's beneficial to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound or SMART. Although widely used in corporate circles, we can bring a ministry twist to this concept.
- Specific: Instead of just seeking to "improve volunteer engagement," aim to "personally connect with five volunteers every month for encouragement and training."
- Measurable: Although you can't measure "a better culture," you can track how often you engage with your team.
- Achievable: Ministry is not a sprint. Setting goals like tripling your attendance overnight sets you up for disappointment. Make it achievable.
- Relevant: Align your goals with your church's mission, making it more than just personal preferences.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines, but remember to add some margin for the unexpected interruptions that are a part of church ministry.
> Focus on Building Systems, Not Just Goals
Rather than just aiming for a numeric increase, such as growing your small group by 20%, consider building robust systems around your goal. Examples could be developing a clear small group leadership training process, creating consistent follow-up mechanisms for new members, or setting up a schedule for group launches. Goals without systems are just hopes; systems create the habits that drive successful outcomes.
> Encourage Accountability and Adjust when Needed
One of the main reasons ministry goals fail is that we tend to set them and then forget them. Regular check-ins help you track your progress. This could be a personal monthly review or sharing your goal with a team member or mentor for accountability. Finally, it's essential to adapt if your plan isn't yielding results as expected. Ministry is fluid, amend your approach, don't abandon your goal.
Setting and achieving ministry goals with a SMART methodology, system focus, and built-in accountability can lead to real, lasting progress in your ministry role. It just takes one clear goal, a simple supporting system, and an accountability plan to set the stage for successful achievement.
Want to learn more on how to effectively set and achieve meaningful ministry goals? Listen to more on this topic on today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. This resource offers valuable insights that can support goal-setting within your church staff team.
