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How to Change Behavior

Posted on January 24, 2011 by in Idea Sharing

There is a set of stairs, with a moving escalator next to it …. both of which lead to the same spot on the floor of the upper level. At first no one took the stairs, almost 97% of the people took the escalator. Okay. I think that could be a normal expected result.

Then a group of engineers got together, and decided they wanted to change the percentage around.

Notice what these scientists did. Clever huh. And now they have reversed the percentages, as a whopping 66% more people take the stairs, than ride the escalator.

Developing Volunteer Ministries

Posted on January 4, 2011 by in Idea Sharing, Leadership, Teams

Here is a simple suggestion that could be used by any church. Each week in the program, list a group of people who have served the church that month in some area. For example:

  • Week one: all of the people who have been part of the worship band
  • Week two: all of the people who have served in the children’s ministry area
  • Week three: all of the people in the set-up, sound, media and hospitality
  • Week four: all the leaders of home groups

The idea is to recognize all volunteers. In a large church, you might want to subdivide these over several months, so that the lists are not too long. But the idea is to list each person’s name who volunteers periodically. Don’t forget people who volunteer in the office: bulletin folders, people who make copies, people who help with the offerings and accounting, etc.

This would accomplish a number of things:

  • Recognize those who serve
  • Highlight to those who do not serve the opportunities for service
  • Help the congregation get to know people who are serving and build community
  • Help the congregation know how many people it takes to provide the church’s ministries
  • Recognize people publically who are not usually seen by the general congregation

There is an old saying, “You get what you recognize”. When we express appreciation, we demonstrate that we believe those who volunteer are important to the ministry.

Mel

Year-End Reflection

Posted on December 30, 2010 by in Idea Sharing, Leadership

The end of the year is when a lot of us do some self-reflection. We reflect back over the past year and evaluate how we did in life, work, spiritually, financially, etc. and we then set our goals for the New Year. This self-reflection can be good.

For me it is a time I review my:

  • Personal Mission
  • Core Values
  • Roles
  • History
  • SHAPE

To be sure they reflect what I think Christ wants in my life.

This is also the time I review my calendar for the next year, to be sure it reflects what I believe God wants to fill my days.

A few reflection questions might be:

  • Am I becoming more loving and tenderhearted?
  • Am I treating my family and friends with godly respect?
  • Is my conversation becoming more righteous?”

Consider setting some goals that reflect the way God wants us to live and pursue His righteousness.

Mel

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