Keep Budgeting Simple (41): Chapter 41 goes over the budget process. The author lists 5 different points to remember during this process. 1) Start with a schedule 2) Assign responsibility 3) Define your action plan 4) Create simple forms 5) Make as few decisions as possible.
Make "Hellos" Long & "Goodbyes" quick (42): Chapter 42 goes over saying goodbye to staff members. The author recommends not letting the their "leaving process" to take more than 2 weeks. They gave 2 important reasons for this. 1)People who are departing become a magnet for every unhappy person in your church. 2) Departing staff members can no longer dream about the future of your ministry. Pay doesn't have to be taken away after this time but set their final date of work at the church 2 weeks after their notice.
Tell Stories (43): Stories draw people in and are remembered by all. The author gives a few things to consider when you are storytelling. 1) Jesus' primary style of communication was through stories. 2) Tell stories about the changed lives of people in your congregation. 3) Use stories when you are thanking people.
Watch these three lids (44): 3 lids that will prevent a growing church from sustaining growth. 1) Parking. 2) Children. 3)Seats. Every growing church should have someone who is always watching these three lids and looking into the future to find ways to improve upon them.
Most designated Gifts should be turned down (45): As leadership in the church you should establish guidelines that encourage healthy, biblical stewardship and at the same time promoting a unified budget. You shouldn't let the "designated giving" be the driving force of your church.
The Journey is as important as the destination (46): This chapter talked about varying levels of importance in cause and community. The author states that being able to emphasize community can be very difficult. It can sometimes bring hurt and pain or even bitterness.
Focus on Hot Projects (47): This chapter discusses your hot projects and looks at the 5 things you should identify when starting these projects. 1) Vision. 2) Project champion. 3) Deadline. 4) Resources. 5) Measures.
Don't vote on the carpet color (48): Bringing us nonessential issues during a congregation, board, and/or committee vote can be a real pain. If there are not capable people in your church that you trust to make decisions such as picking out the color of new carpet, then you should consider that you may have a leadership problem.
Systems should make life easier (49): "The best systems and procedures help people become more effective and efficient in their ministry roles." When you want to create a new policy within the church you should ask the following two questions. 1) Do we actually need this policy? 2) Does it make life easier for our team?
Put "Professional Cheerleader" on your business card (50): The author poses different questions asking what would happen if the pastor took on the "cheerleader" role as their primary role. The author states that even though you are a preacher, teacher, etc-the role of "cheerleader" is one of the most vital roles in your ministry.
Chapter 42 goes over making your hellos long and your goodbyes short. I have seen first hand how difficult it is to do. One of our youth pastors several years ago took another church assignment. After announcing it to the pastor/board, youth group, and congregation-it took an additional 3 months for them to actually leave. This made it very difficult for them to cut ties with the kids and congregation and vice versa. It also had an effect on the new youth group they were moving too because it was difficult for those kids to start the bonding process with them.
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