Fundamental ministry skills set for church leaders

FUNDAMENTAL MINISTRY
SET-SKILLS FOR LEADERS
Pastor Oyewole O. Sarumi

Opening Scriptures
23 January, 2018Pastoral Leadership Institute Inc. Lagos. www.pastorsinleadership.org
2
1 Cor. 3:10
“According to the grace of God which was given to
me, as a wise master builder I have laid the
foundation, and another builds on it. But let each
one take heed how he builds on it.” [NKJV]
“Because of God's special favour to me, I have laid
the foundation like an expert builder. Now others
are building on it. But whoever is building on this
foundation must be very careful.” [NLT]

3
Eccl 10:10
“If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the
edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom
brings success.” [NKJV]
“Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen
the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you
succeed.” [NLT]

The Leader’s Big 3!!!
4
 WISDOM = The right to discern right from wrong,
to know the right thing to do in any situation.
 COURAGE = The tenacity to do what is right no
matter the consequences.
 STRENGTH = The capacity to continue doing the
right thing, to carry through to the end, to finish
what you started.

Introduction
5
 To be effective in ministry and to breaking through
with the love of Christ as a church leader, you need
to skilfully move in the right direction with the right
source of confidence, having the right objectives and
the right means of getting there.
 You will need to break through the obstacles in your
set-skills that keep you from leading effectively.

The 5-fold Offices
Need Skills
6
There are five-fold ministries in Eph.4:11-13 thus:
 Apostle - A leader of Leaders, a Pioneer and
trailblazer.
 Prophet - A seer, Foreteller and forthteller of God’s
Word.
 Evangelist - Harvester and invader of kingdoms for souls.
 Pastor - A Shepherd, nurturer and leader of the
congregation.
 Teacher - A builder, equipper and discipler of God’s
people.

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 Churches today have mortgaged these great
ministry gifts. They have not recognized their
existence in The Church and have chosen the ones
they like.
 Each of these ministries cannot stand alone but must
work in unity with the others. They are all meant to
expand God’s Kingdom and bring many people to
Christ and edify the Body of believers.
 Whether these ministries will be great in the world
will largely be determined by the skills of those who
have received them.

If you must acquire Skills….
8
If you must acquire leadership skills, they must . . .
 line up with God's character and ways... not what
you, or the world, think is the right way to do things
 be empowered by the Holy Spirit ... not self-
determination, pushing through no matter what to
accomplish what you think should be done
 produce eternal results using godly processes... not
letting the end justify the means

Spiritual Leadership
9
 Spiritual leadership is not won by promotion or
appointment, but by prayers and tears.
 “It is attained by much heart searching and
humbling before God; by self-surrender, a
courageous sacrifice of every idol, a bold,
uncompromising, and uncomplaining embracing of
the cross, and by an eternal, unfaltering looking
unto Jesus crucified……..

10
 …….This is a great price, but it must be
unflinchingly paid by him who would be a real
spiritual leader of men, a leader whose power is
recognized and felt in heaven, on earth and in hell.”
-Samuel Brengle

The 2 Primary Skills
Leaders Must Develop
11
The Two skills leaders must develop that will enable the
accomplishment of the above objectives and improve the
implementation of other ministerial skills are :
 Communication
 First with God (prayer), demonstrating trust & reliance on
Him
 Then with people, demonstrating a desire for unity &
participation
 Listening
 First to God, leading to wisdom & understanding
 Then to people, leading to greater awareness &
accountability

Introduction [cont’d]
12
 Without Skills, ministry will be difficult.
 A wise master builder is another word for ‘Expert’.
 In ministry today, you need skills, for lack of skills
kills
 Life is skill and skill is life. There is anointing and
there is skill.

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 There is a place for anointing and skills in ministry.
There must be a balance.
 There are things anointing cannot do, but skills can
do.
 Skillful ministers are great leaders, and it takes
great leaders to build a great ministry.

What is Skill?
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 SKILL “is the ability to do,
get things done, an expertise
that results in effectiveness.”
 Skill is a special ability,
competence or dexterity.
 You cannot buy skills, but
you can learn, improve and
acquire it through constant
practice, learning, studying
and working.

How to Get Skills
15
 Nobody is born with skills, but you acquire it.
 You get skills through:
▪ Constant practice
▪ Learning
▪ Working
▪ Practicing, usage and application
 Skill is not awarded to a person like a school
degree, you will have to acquire it, but it can BE
HONED or SHARPENED.

What is Fundamental?
16
 The word ‘fundamental’ means: “Non-negotiable,
something that are basic and very primary.”
 For example, food is a fundamental requirement for
the body. Water is fundamental to life, so also is air.
 You can do 40days fasting without food, 4 days
without water, but you can’t do 4minutes without air.

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 Speaking is a skill, to communicate well and clearly,
you’ve got to learn it.
 To construct a building, you need about 25 different
skillful professionals.
 Ministers need at least 22 fundamental skills to
succeed, be great and affect your generation.

Ministry – Its Meaning
18
 Ministry is a “divine assignment, calling, purpose,
vision and life’s objective.” It is given by The Lord.
Col.4:17
 Ministry is your calling, and if your ministry is to be
healthy and fit, you need Skills.
 Without skills, your ministry will
get stalked and be stilled.

Why You Need Skills!!
19
 You need skills to develop your ministry.
 You need skills to grow your ministry.
 You need skills to sustain your ministry.
 You need skills to multiply your ministry.
NOTE: Without relevant skills, your Ministry will stagnate.

 Esau – was a skillful hunter – Gen.25:27
 David – was a skillful player on harp ISam.16:16
 Chenaniah – was a skillful instructor and leader of
Levites – I Chro.15:22
 In the Bible, we have skillful warrior, skillful artisans,
skillful wailing women, even skillful lamenters
(Isa.3:3, Jer.9:17, Amos 5:16)
 Even Apostle Paul was skillful in words

Ex 35:35
35 He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the
engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple,
and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver — those who
do every work and those who design artistic works. NKJV
Eccl 2:21-22
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill;
yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it.
This also is vanity and a great evil. NKJV
Dan 1:17
17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill
in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all
visions and dreams. NKJV
Dan 9:22-23
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I
have now come forth to give you skill to understand. NKJV

22 Fundamental Skills:
That Will Help You
Climb the Ladder of
Ministry
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The 22 Ministry Set Skills
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 There are at least 22 essentials skills for every
minister who will have a great ministry and leave a
legacy.
 They are discussed below in no particular order of
importance.
 Please identify the ones you need to acquire, and
set your mind on them through prayers and much
labour.

1. Leadership Skills
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 Leadership is a spirit, and also a skill that you can
learn.
 Leadership ability determines a person’s level of
effectiveness.
 Good leadership is the best means of leaving a
lasting legacy
 It is not every minister that is a leader.

Leadership & Influence
25
 Leadership is a spirit, once you catch it you become
a person of influence.
 Leadership is not by position or promotion, but
influence.
 You must develop your ability to lead and influence
people better in your daily pursuit of ministry.
 Leadership is influence, and if you are salt and light,
then you’re in the path of being a leader.

You need to develop these….
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 A leader is a generous person – A true leader must be
generous with the 3Ts.
 A true leader is secure, not threatened by associates
gifting.
 A leader is broadminded, not myopic.
 A leader is not proud, but confident and open minded.
 A true leader is sincere, honest and plain
 A true leader is not afraid to take decision
 A leader knows, but…. sees, but…. Hears, but….

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 It takes time to develop your skill to lead well.
 Your poor leadership skill will drive people away
from your church.
 People don’t leave Churches, they only leave their
leaders.
Reference: Isaiah.9:6; 2Sam.5:2

2. Administrative Skills
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 Lack of good administrative skills have resulted in
administrative sins, satanic tendencies and sicknesses
that have ruined great ministries.
 Poor administration have been used to deceive,
steal Church monies, punish, transfer to redundancy
and lots of injustices have been perpetrated, which
has brought curses upon the ministry.

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 Many church administration are destroying people
and the church.
 Anointing brings people, but administration keeps
them in the church.
 Sometimes, it is a written policy/document.

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 There are many injustice that is perpetrated through
administration.
 In Acts 6:1-7, an administrative decision settles the
problem.
 You do the following under administration: Manage
Money, Machineries, Methods and Lead Men.

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 Good administrative skills demand that a capable
administrator must be in control, taking his policies
from the main leader.
 It will take lots of skills to administer properly.
 Anointing will bring the people, it is proper
administration that will keep them happy and
growing.
References: 1Cor.12:5; Acts.6:1-3

3. People Relational Skill
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 Your relationship must be based on Christian love.
 Be friend to all the flock with tact and sincerity of
purpose.
 Be firm while being loving.
 Your human relations must be positive, vertical, lateral
and horizontal.
 Your life pattern and conduct must command respect.
 Human Relations is key for ministry - Rom. 12: 10; 13-
18.

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 Care must be taken in Human Relations not to loose
the virtue of our callings and leadership.
 The flock must relate to Ministers as leaders who they
respect, love and will obey.
 Treat all (workers/congregation) justly and gently with
no victimization tendencies.
 Be concerned about the welfare of the flock in your
care: visit, pray and give gifts to them. John 31:13-
14.

Categories of People
34
There are 7 categories of people within and
outside the church that we are to relate with:
 Your Predecessor
 Your Successor
 Boss/Head Pastor
 Your Subordinates
 Church Members
 Non-Members
 Community People

Different Kinds of People
25 January, 2018Pastoral Leadership Academy, Lagos. http://pl-academy.org
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In ministry, you will have to relate with different kinds of
men and women such as:
  The Users.
  The Power brokers.
  The Chameleon.
  The Ingrates.
  The Thumb Suckers.
  The Garbage-collectors.
  The Space-Cadet.
  The Temptress.
  The Sunshine.

Relationships that Grow Churches:
Relationships
That Grow
Churches:
Pastor to
God
Relationship
People to
God
Relationship
Pastor to
People
Relationship
People to
Pastor
Relationship
People to
People
Relationship People to
Sinners
Relationship
Church to
Community
Relationship
Pastor to
Pastor
Relationship
Pastor to
Higher
Authority
Relationship

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 You must know how to get along with them.
 You must be tough and tender with them.
 You must be kind and firm.
 You must display maturity of heart and life, because
people will hurt and help you in ministry.

“Perfect your relationships, it is the
only thing we are taking above”
– The Preacherman
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4. Conflict Management Skills
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 You cannot runaway from conflict and crisis in
ministry.
 Conflict is normal, natural and neutral in ministry.
 They come because of differences.
 You must develop the skills to handle them.

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 As a leader you will make decisions with which
some will disagree.
 People may take offense to the way you do things.
 In some cases, you might not have done anything
wrong.
 But, there will be times that you failed.
 As a leader, you will also be faced with members
who might not be offended by you, but by others in
the church.

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 You can’t run away nor wish them away. If you
ignore them, they will multiply.
 Conflict must not be allowed to destroy and hinder
the progress of the work.
 Every conflict you confront and settle gives your
people another reason to trust your person and
leadership.
Reference: Matt.18:15-17

When conflict comes?
42
 What do you do when conflict surfaces? You can
choose to:
 Ignore it with the hope it will resolve itself
 Confront it face on with full abandonment
 Simply pray about it and leave it in the Lord's hands
 Or, you can choose to follow biblical ways of managing
conflict which include the following:

Resolving Conflict
43
 Be proactive. (Matt. 5:23-24)- Don't wait for the offended
person to come to you.
 Be a peace-maker. (Rom. 12:16-21; Eph. 4:2-3)- Take
every possible measure to bring about a peaceful resolution
 Be process-oriented. (Matt. 18:15-17)- Understand that it is
not just about confronting or "fixing" a problem. Encourage
people to work it out among themselves before you get
involved.
 Be a paraclete. (Phil. 4:2-3)- Come alongside of others in
the body and help them to work out their differences. Don't
wait for their problems to spill over into the body.

5. Preaching and Teaching Skills
44
 Many ministries cannot become great because the
leader lacks good skills in preaching and teaching.
 Poor teaching skills result in people being
malnourished, shallow, undisciplined and fickle in
spiritual matters.

45
 You can’t just preach anyhow and expect a great
and growing ministry.
 Your skills must become better by the day, until
everybody that comes under your ministration will
be deeply and mightily transformed.

What to Preach & Teach regularly
46
What are we to preach and teach regularly?
▪ Holiness
▪ Love
▪ Money.
▪ Work.
▪ Faith.
▪ Power.
▪ Eternity.
Reference: Isaiah.28:9-10

6. Financial Skill
47
 You must acquire the skill to make, manage and
multiply the money of the ministry.
 You must handle the ministry’s money truthfully and
judiciously.
 You must cut wastages and cut off overhead costs.
 You must lead the Church to financial buoyancy
gradually.

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 Your expenditure must not be more than your
income.
 You must not live beyond the financial strength of
your ministry.
 You must be a giver and teach your Church to give
too.
 Good financials skills is acquired when a leader
engages personnel with knowledge under his
supervision.

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 Tithes and offerings alone will not sustain the
Church. Raise spiritual entrepreneurs.
 Your offering should be more than tithe, though God
demands our tithe, He deserves our offerings.
 Be ready to prune your expenses
 Grow your income – imbibe the principle of MSI.
 Are you under utilising your building?

50
 Spend money for missions, outreaches, welfare and
downtrodden.
 The Church might not be financially buoyant at the
initial stage, but you must strengthen the Church
financially.
 Don’t ever be involved in financial scandals in the
Church. Be clean and stay clean.

“If you learn how to raise people’s
faith, you will find it easy to raise
fund from people.”
-Oyewole Sarumi [2008]
51

7. Programme Planning Skills
52
 Programmes are the midwives of your vision, and it
takes skills to plan them well.
 Without a good programme planning and execution
skills, you cannot bring your vision into reality.
 Schedule events that will lift people up spiritually
and build them for God.

53
 Your weekly, monthly and yearly events must be
channeled towards empowering your people.
 Whatever God has told you about your church, you
utilise programmes to bring them to actuality.

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 Don’t do events for money, gain and fund raising.
 When your programmes are too much, they weary
your people.
 When your programmes are too few, your sheep
will scatter.
 Monotoniety of programme is
boring and uninspiring to the people.

Advice on Programme Planning
55
 Name your months – it will determine your
messages.
 Seek the mind of God for the church.
 Do research: Find out about your people – kinds of
problem you counsel on, kind of house they live in,
educational background etc

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 The programme must pay all expenses including
guest speakers honorarium!!!
 Analyse your programmes to create varieties, and
bring in speakers who are experts in specific
complementary areas of need.

8. Writing and Publishing Skills
57
 Your ministry cannot really become great without
writing and publishing to teach and equip people.
 You need lots of skill to write and publish.
 Without publishing, you will raise up spiritually
illiterate people, who can easily fall away from the
faith.
 To start publishing, write down your sermons, and
make sure it is always recorded.

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 You must write training/teaching manuals for your
sub-leaders for keeps.
 You must have books that will edify your people.
 You must have resources that will go far and wide.
 You must raise a biblically literate church that is
grounded in truth.
References: Mark.13:10, Acts.17:11.

9. Communication Skills
59
 Leaders must learn to first communicate with God
and then with people. That's the order that will
produce the greatest level of effectiveness.
 Yet, so often in the church we find:
✓ Too many consultations with others about what to do without
first going to God
✓ Too many meetings in which the church's affairs are
discussed without first seeking God's guidance
✓ Too many decisions made without adequate prayers, but
nonetheless expecting God to bless it

When leaders don't first communicate
with God:
60
 They tend to lean too much on their own
understanding which often leads to trouble. --
Trusting in God brings good direction and success.
(Prov. 3:5-6; 14:12).
 They tend to rely on their own abilities or strength
which often leads to burnout. -- Depending on God
brings renewal and the ability to soar. (Isa. 40:28-
31; Phil. 4:13)

When leaders fail to communicate
with people:
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 They open the door for possible misunderstandings
which can eventually lead to divisions.
 They deny people a sense of ownership in the
process, making the endeavour appear more as the
"leader's thing" than a joint effort.

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 The importance of communicating both with God
and people cannot be over-stressed. When leaders
learn to be better communicators, everything else
seems to go much more effectively.
 Look at communication as an on-going, never-
ending process, not a once and done event --
before, during, and after.

Tips for communicating with God:
63
 Keep a clean slate with Him, not allowing integrity
breaks to block your communication with God. --
Leadership has lots of temptations but God's grace
is always sufficient to not only keep one from
sinning but also to restore open lines of
communication if one fails. (Titus 2:11-12; 1 Jn. 1:5-
10)

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 Pour your heart out to Him as your confidant,
someone with whom you can tell anything and
everything. -- Leadership can be a lonely place but
God is always with you. (Ps. 62:8)
 Take your concerns to God but also remember to
express thanksgiving. -- Leadership can be
discouraging but God is always in control. (Phil. 4:6)

Tips for communicating with people:
65
 Keep lines of communication open always, not
just when there are changes coming or conflict. --
Why should people listen if that's the only time you
try to engage them in the process?
 Connect with people as you communicate,
maintaining eye contact and expressing interest in
them and what concerns them. -- Why should
people care if it's just about your agenda?

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 Engage people, making sure the communication is
two-way, not you simply telling them what they need to
know. -- Why should people attend if their opinions
don't matter?
 Be honest yet speak the truth in love. -- Why should
people hear you out if they feel they are going to be
condemned, not feeling accepted and safe?
 Be patient and persist until people seem to
understand. -- Why should they agree with what you
propose if they need more information or time to
process what you are saying?

10. Listening Skill
67
 Communication, an essential part of church leadership,
makes such a difference in a leader's effectiveness in
other skills.
 By communication we are referring to not merely
transmitting information, but exchanging information
which requires that leaders also become good listeners.
 To be a good leader, you need to learn to listen both to
God and to people.

Listening to God is a means of:
68
 Acquiring wisdom and understanding
 Discerning His heart
 Lining up with Him and His will

Listening to people is a means of:
69
 Discerning needs
 Learning if something isn't working
 Acquiring new ideas
 Letting people know you care

Tips for Listening to God:
70
 Be still and cease striving so you can hear His voice
in the midst of the clutter and noise around you. (Ps.
46:10; Matt. 11:28-30)
 Wait for Him and His timing. (Ps. 5:3; 37:7; 38:15)
 Study His Word with the goal of arriving at His
intent. (Ps. 19:7-11; 119:105)
 Keep pace with the Spirit who will guide and teach
you what you need to know as you need to know it.
(Gal. 5:25; Jn. 14:26; 15:26)
 Listen with both your heart and head, in spirit and in
truth. (Matt. 22:37; Jn. 4:24)

Tips for Listening to
people:
71
 Listen before formulating what you will say. (Prov.
18:13)
 Listen to truly understand where the person is
coming from. (Prov. 18:15)
 Listen to more than their words but also their body
language, tone, facial expressions. (1 Cor. 12:25-
26)
 Listen without bias or prejudging a person. (James
1:19)

11. Family Skill
72
 Your ministry must start at home.
 If it doesn’t work at home, then don’t export it
abroad.
 You must be skillful in balancing ministry and your
family responsibilities.
 Your skill in balancing your home will go a long way
to give credibility to your ministry.

Tips for Home Skills
73
 You must not allow ministry to kill your home.
 You must not allow your home to kill your ministry.
 You must build strong bond with your spouse.
 You must raise your children for The Lord.
 You must be a good parent and a lover to your
spouse.
Reference: Joshua.24:15; 1Tim.5:8, Eccl.10:7-9

12. Assessment Skills
74
What is a ministry needs assessment?
 The assessment is a means of discerning if the
church's ministry is on track with God's purposes and
design for the church.

Is there a biblical basis for
such evaluation?
75
 Proverbs 14:8 - "The wisdom of the prudent is to give
thought to their ways ..."
 Proverbs 24:3-6 - "By wisdom a house is built, and
through understanding it is established; through
knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful
treasures. A wise man has great power, and a man of
knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need
guidance, and for victory many advisers."
 1 Corinthians 9:26 - "Therefore I do not run like a man
running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the
air."

76
 Luke 14:28-32 - "Suppose one of you wants to
build a tower. Will he not first sit down and
estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to
complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not
able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule
him, ... Or suppose a king is about to go to war
against another king. Will he not first sit down and
consider whether he is able with ten thousand men
to oppose the one coming against him with twenty
thousand? ... "

Church Assessment - The First
Step Toward Church Health
77
 A church assessment is a necessary first step
towards understanding the needs of your church
and gaining an objective view of the current health
and vitality of your church body.
 Without the discipline to gather objective
information about your church climate, you can end
up miles down an errant rabbit trail.
 Periodic church evaluation is crucial to informed
decision-making and effective leadership.

78
 Don't think of this type of appraisal as an
additional "project" to take on - you'll feel
overwhelmed. Instead, think of a church assessment
as a routine "check-up" to ensure that you're healthy
and aware of any potential issues.
 A simple check-up will give you the awareness to be
"proactive" instead of "reactive" in your church
leadership responsibilities.

Church Assessment - Importance and
Timing
79
 A church assessment is a listening tool and "listening
well" is a critical aspect of effective leadership.
 Just as importantly, church members will feel heard,
understood, and valued.
 Therefore, a church assessment should be
considered at the following times:

During periods of change such as:
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 › Transition in church leadership
 › Shift in demographics of the church body
 › Change in ministry focus of the church
 › Restructuring of staff/program framework

During periods of new developments
such as:
81
 › In preparation for a large project like a capital
campaign
 › Increasing ministry offerings or programs
 › Expanding or relocating to another facility

During periods of strategic planning
such as:
82
 › Identifying the priorities/goals for the coming
year
 › Distinguishing the unique strengths of your church
to be maximized
 › Categorizing the needs of your unique church
community
 › Budgeting for the future

What is the purpose of doing a
ministry needs assessment?
83
 A constructive assessment will strengthen and build
up the body of Christ not condemn and divide.
 It will provide accountability and also a sense of
ownership for those involved in the process. As a
result of the needs assessment, you will identify
strengths on which to build and weaknesses on
which to work.
 A needs assessment will help you determine if new
ministries should be initiated and/or if any existing
ministries should be terminated.

Who should be involved in the needs
assessment?
84
 How many people participate in the needs assessment
could depend on the size of your church and also on
how much effort you are willing to put into the
assessment.
 The entire congregation could be involved in providing
input or perhaps a cross-section of individuals from
different areas of your church's life.
 The process could be coordinated by church leadership,
an appointed committee, or an outside agency or
consultant.
 Doing the assessment internally would tend to build
greater ownership in the implementation of results.

What is the process for doing a
church ministry needs assessment?
85
 In doing a needs assessment you are basically
answering some strategic questions. Answers will
come from a variety of sources.
 You might take surveys, interview ministry leaders
and/or participants, examine reports and statistics,
observe the various ministries in action, or a
combination of these sources.
 An assessment should generate some honest soul-
searching in the church. And, every step of the
process should be enveloped in prayer.

13. Organisational Skills
86
 To effectively provide organization to the church,
leaders must understand that the church is a living
organism.
 Without a grasp on that reality, organization could
be done . . .
➢ for the wrong purposes ... simply to maintain smooth
running programs.
➢ with the wrong effect ... bureaucracy in the church.

The Purpose of Organization
87
 Organization is not about putting so much structure
into your activities that getting anything
accomplished requires a complex process.
 Rather, it should be facilitating growth and
expression while at the same time coordinating it
with the whole. Without a degree of flexibility, you
cannot make quick adjustments as needed.

88
 The Church, as a living organism, does have structure,
but also a responsiveness. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
 The Church, as a living organism, should maintain a
sense of stability and constancy, while being
responsive. (Ephesians 4:14)
 As Church Leaders:
 Are you finding this balance?
 How can you simplify the process without losing the
purpose for which organization exists?

89
 Organization is not an end in itself but rather a means or a
vehicle to clarify responsibilities and relationships in order to
accomplish a greater good.
 The Church, as a living organism, has members designed to
function in specific ways but also a sense of coordination and
interdependence. (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:21,
26)
 Church Leaders:
 Are you keeping an eye on the particulars as well as the big
picture?
 How can you improve ministry descriptions in ways that more
clearly convey responsibilities, parameters, and communication
channels that stress coordination with the whole yet do not box in
individuals' pursuit of their passions and sense of calling?

The Effect of Organization
90
 Organization is not about building programs and structures but
determining how to best meet the needs of people and glorify God.
 You arrange schedules and programs a certain way because it is
effective. You coordinate the way people relate and serve alongside
one another because it makes a difference.
 The Church, as a living organism, must be interactive with its
environment, both influencing it and being aware of it. (Matthew 5:13;
Acts 1:8)
 Church Leaders:
 Are you organizing to perpetuate the way you've always done things or
to truly serve?
 What can you do to better implement ministry assessments, purposeful
observation, and meaningful input from people you serve to be in a
constant state of awareness of needs and adjustments needed.

91
 Organization is not a substitute for the work of the
Holy Spirit. We rely on God, not on our structures,
praying at every turn, to accomplish change and
growth in the Body.
 Without the wisdom and power flow of the Spirit,
you have little more than an institution of man-made
structures that would stay the same with or without
His presence.

92
 The Church, as a living organism, requires the intake
of proper nutrients and care to stay healthy, sustain
itself, and grow. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
 Church Leaders:
 Are you stopping long enough to ask God how to
organize what He wants you to do?
 What measures can you put in place to make sure you
are trusting in the Lord and not leaning on your own
understanding (Prov. 3:5-6)?

14. Delegating Skills
93
 As a leader you will find yourself in seasons where
the load is too great for you alone to handle. This
is because:
 of the blessing of ministry growth.
 the result of an unforeseeable event or crisis.
 Of some personal issues.
 These times call for the assigning of some of your
normal responsibilities to other people --
delegation, a skill you need to master.

Challenge of non-Delegation
94
 If you don't delegate:
➢ you will tend to focus on the higher priority or
immediate needs.
➢ Lower priority or routine work will tend to get pushed to
the side or be accomplished with minimal quality.
➢ If left undone, those tasks usually build up and become
overwhelming and more stressful when you finally do
get to them.
➢ If done poorly, you might find yourself later needing to
redo them, taking up more of your time.

3 Basis for Delegating
95
 Theological Basis:
God designed the Church to be interdependent,
with everyone working for the greater good. God
never intended for one person to do it all. If you
are overworked and doing something someone else
can do, don't let pride keep you from asking for
help. Give others opportunity to participate.

96
 Practical Basis:
Good comes out of delegation. Leaders are freed
up to do higher priority tasks without feeling guilty
about tasks being left undone, or half-done,
resulting in greater effectiveness and the prevention
of burnout. Others are provided with opportunities
to grow and develop as they gain experiences they
might not normally have and can know they made a
contribution to the greater good.

97
 Relational Basis:
People feel valued and needed, like you trust them
to come along side of you. They feel as though they
are a part because their contribution matters.

How You Delegate Matters
98
 Leaders must be careful that the way they delegate
doesn't counteract the basis for and good in
delegating.
 Otherwise, you are expressing doubt in God's
design, holding on to stress and anxiety, and
making people feel they aren't trusted.
 Two pitfalls to avoid:
 maintaining too much control
 not providing enough accountability

How to avoid the pitfalls:
99
How do I avoid the pitfalls when delegating:
1. First analyze your situation. What tasks can be delegated
and what type of gifting or skill level should be in the person
to do them?
2. Choose people wisely. Who is the best person for the job?
3. Sufficiently train or orient the person. What does the
person need to succeed at the task?

100
4. Adequately communicate parameters in advance.
What level of authority does the person have to make
decisions about the task?
5. Build predetermined evaluation and feedback into
the process. When and how are they to report on the
progress they are making or receive help they might
need?
6. Express appreciation and affirm the person. How can
you support the person throughout the process?

15. Vision/Goal Crafting Skills
101
 Many leaders to be busy with a lot of activity but
accomplishing little.
 Progress seems to elude so many church and
ministry leaders who struggle to maintain the
present, go in every direction, or are constantly
absorbed in "putting out fires" rather than working
toward the future.

102
 The Apostle Paul repeated the need to "press on" (Phil.
3:10-16) not wanting to run the race "like a man
running aimlessly" lest he run in vain (1 Cor. 9:26).
 Running a race requires advancing. People who run to
win the race can't do so by . . .
 moving in place (leaders who merely maintain status quo)
 getting detoured by every sign of danger (leaders who
constantly operate in crisis mode)
 running around in circles or off course (leaders who are
easily distracted by non-essentials)

Goal-Setting & Vision Casting
 Running a race requires knowing
where you should go and setting
goals to get there.
1. Goals must evolve from your
purpose.
2. Vision is the expression of your
purpose.
3. Goals, by their very nature,
envision the future.
4. Goals, by their very nature,
envision the future.
 You established goals that line up
with God's purposes for the church,
born out of prayer and faith,
envisioning what God might want
to do in and through you in the
future.
 Vision is the expression of your
purpose.
 Prioritize, setting short-term and
long-term goals based on need.
 Then you are ready to engage in
strategic planning for those goals
that can and should be
immediately realized.
 And don't forget to move into
action.
23 January, 2018
103
Pastoral Leadership Institute Inc. Lagos. www.pastorsinleadership.org
Communicate, communicate, communicate the vision. Ask others to be praying.

16. Coordinating Skills
104
 The church is made up of varying ministries, often
organized into groups to meet specific needs. All of
these ministries need to come under the umbrella of
the overriding purpose of the church. Church
leaders need to bring some coordination of the
parts into the whole.

105
 You'll find the biblical basis for such coordinating in
Ephesians 4:3-16 and 1 Cor. 12:4-31.
 The Word uses the analogy of the human body ...
many parts, one body. Arms, legs, and other body
parts each have their own function, but cannot work
independently of the others.

106
S/No God's ….. Coordination Challenge: Coordination Requirement:
1. God's Intent: unity and harmony in
the midst of diversity (1 Cor. 12:4-
6,12, Eph. 4:3-7)
Keep diversity and distinctiveness of
various ministries while bringing them
all under one umbrella.
Promote and maintain a big
picture perspective. We all
serve the same Lord and have
the same primary purpose.
2. God's Design: equipping of His
people to serve in ways that build
up the whole (1 Cor. 12:7, 21, 25,
Eph. 4:11-13)
Group to meet needs and fellowship
around shared interests while not
isolating one from the other in ways
that become cliquish and/or
independent from the others.
Promote interdependence by
preventing island mentalities
through the development of
platforms for sharing of
information and resources.
3. God's Process: authentic
communication with one another
(Eph. 4:14-15)
Bring people to consensus and
cooperation with other ministries
without manipulating people.
Promote and model proper,
authentic motives in
communicating with one
another.
4. God's Focus: grow into Him who is
the Head, Christ (Eph. 4:15-16)
Motivate people to come under the
umbrella without begrudging it,
complaining, or accusing the leader of
being controlling.
Promote Jesus as both the
source and reason for coming
together as one body.
5. God's Means: love cements us
together (Eph. 4:15-16,1 Cor.
12:31b - 13:3)
Keep people accountable to the big
picture while emphasizing inward
motivation over outward conformity.
Promote a purpose that is high
enough to make people want to
come together in harmony and
cooperation. Only God's love is
selfless enough and sacrificing,
looking toward the good of
others.

17. Team Building Skills
107
 As a leader one of your responsibilities is to steer
the Body in following God's design and purposes
for the Church.
 This is accomplished by modelling it in your own
ministry, by structuring for it to happen, and by
equipping others to align with God.

Biblical Basis for Teams in Ministry:
108
 Just as the varying parts of the human body need
each other to best accomplish its work, so the Body
of Christ needs to function interdependently, in unity
like a team. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27).
 God designed the Church that it "grows and builds
itself up in love, as each part does its work in unity"
(Eph. 4:16).

By following God's design you will:
109
 Accomplish more than if working on one's own in
terms of both quantity and quality
 Have varying perspectives brought to the table that
help one see more clearly
 Bring a sense of accountability to individuals that
help them and the whole Body grow
 Affirm and encourage one another in their walk with
God

Why Most Leaders are Loner
110
 Leaders, due to personality and background some of
you might tend to want to go it alone.
 Some are more independent type or a perfectionist
who is threatened by people wanting to do things a
different way than what meets up to your standards.
 Others tend to thrive on this kind of group endeavour
as a people person or the type who looks more at the
big picture.
 Regardless of your bent, you need to remember that
God designed the church to operate in teaming way.

Biblical Principles to Guide
Teamwork:
111
 Assess and utilize the unique strengths/gifting each member
brings to team and pull on that (personality, spiritual gifts,
experience, previous training, etc.). ... It's not about losing
ourselves to gel into a homogenous entity. (1 Cor. 12; Eph.
4:16)
 Accept differences of opinions as a valuable asset, not a
liability. ... As you work through differences, you have a
greater potential of arriving at what is best for all. (Phil.
2:1-4)
 Acknowledge God in all you do. ... Pray and worship
together so as a team you are trusting God for direction in
all you do, not depending on yourselves. (Prov. 3:6-7)

112
 Assume attitudes of servanthood. ... It's not about one
person rising to the top and controlling, although you
often will have someone who facilitates the process to
keep you on track, but that is not a hierarchy in action.
(Phil. 2:5-8)
 Align with the plan and purposes to which you believe
God has brought you. ... Keep it about God, not you.
Seeking to align with God over conforming with one
another is the greatest deterrent to infighting or letting
egos get in the way. (Isa. 48:17)

When you follow these principles you
build:
113
 Comradeship centred around the Lord, not what you
have in common or because you all agree
 Communication based on honesty, not to appease or
avoid conflict or manipulate people to one's point
of view
 Collaboration aimed at finding what's best, not
merely compromising to fit individuals' agendas or
get something out of it for one's self.

Look at Jesus’ Team
114
The Lord Jesus had an unusual and extremely difficult team
at his disposal:
 Extroverts like Peter
 Introverts like Bartholomew
 Doubters like Thomas
 Thieves like Judas Iscariot
 Ambitious men like James and John
 Radicals like Simon the Zealot
 Corrupt government officials like Matthew
 Silent operators like Phillip, James, Andrew and Judas the
brother of James

The Power of the Twelve
115
 He spent time with the team.
 He gave the best to them – his life and all.
 He saw them through the eyes of God, not by ‘ethnic
or social’ discerning of the Spirit.
 He provided enough resources for them – spiritual
and material as well as cover.
 He balanced their freedom and control over them.
 He empowered them sufficiently.

The Power of the Twelve contd.
116
 He drew them to His word – His word was His bond
and His name.
 He trusted them with the work in spite of their
frailties.
 He serves them – he was a true servant-leader.
 He called them friends instead of slaves.
 He prayed for and with them.
 He kept His team till the end.

18. Staffing Skills
117
 Staffing can entail a broad sweep from recruiting to
termination of ministry workers. Between these two
extremes comes training, support, communication,
conflict management etc.
 Before getting detailed about each facet of staffing,
begin with some overriding principles that should be a
part of everything done in staffing:
➢ Permeate all you do with prayer.
➢ Line up with God's design.
➢ Don't lose the personal touch.
➢ Be supportive.

The Bottom line in Staffing
118
 Leaders:
 Do you look for God's choice in people to be recruited?
 Are you helping people find their best fit in ministry based on their
God-given ministry profile?
 In a digital age, are you remembering the value of one-on-one,
face-to-face communication?
 Do you view your role as a shepherd or discipler of ministry
workers providing the training and resources they need to
effectively serve along with on-going encouragement, affirmation,
and feedback, praying for and with them?
 When these elements infiltrate all you do as a leader in
staffing, whether with full/part-time staff, you will get the
right people to work with you.

19. Strategic Planning Skills
119
 You know your purpose. You made an assessment of
where you are in light of your purpose. Then you set
some goals for accomplishing that purpose and started
casting the vision.
 Now it is time for some strategic planning.
➢ What steps will you take to accomplish each goal?
➢ By what date should each step be accomplished?
➢ Who will be responsible for the various tasks within each
step?
➢ What resources will be needed each step of the way
(people, money, facilities, etc.)?
➢ How will you measure if the steps you are taking are leading
to the accomplishment of the goals?

120
 Since our plans are made up of "steps" we will take,
a look at Scripture using that word could be helpful
to the planning process.
 1. Our steps must always line up with God's Word. -
I have considered my ways and have turned my steps
to your statutes. (Ps. 119:59)
 2. Our steps must not simply follow the ways of the
world or the latest church fad. - A simple man
believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to
his steps. (Prov. 14:15)

121
 3. Our steps must be guided by God. - In his heart a
man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
(Prov. 16:9).
 4. Our steps must be brought into pace with the Holy
Spirit. - Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with
the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25).
 5. Our steps might be marked by hardships for which
we need Christ-like reactions. - To this you were called,
because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet. 2:21)

20. Change Management Skill
122
 Change is the most difficult thing to do in ministry,
but if well understood and communicated, it will
lead to greater impact.
 If you change too quickly, people will abandon you.
 If you don’t change at all, those who love change
will also leave you.

Types & Kinds of Change
November 9, 2009Oyewole O. Sarumi - Primacy Consulting, Lagos
 What are the challenges of change?
 Types of change. We have:
➢ PHYSICAL,
➢ SOCIAL,
➢ ECONOMICAL
➢ SPIRITUAL.
 There are 3 known kinds of change:
❖ INNOVATIONAL,
❖ INEVITABLE
❖ INTENTIONAL

124
 Clearly define the change you want to see.
 Communicate the change simply, clearly and
consistently.
 Let the change you want first be seen in you.
 Communicate pictorially, to sub-leaders first, before
you go public.
 Touch people’s heart before you ask for their hands.

21. Spiritual Growth Skills
125
 Ministry is a spiritual work; therefore you must be truly
spiritual if you are going to succeed in it.
 You must be adept in spiritual disciplines such as:
 Take time to read, study and search the Word of God for
edification.
 Take time to pray and seek the Lord daily, weekly and
monthly.
 Take time not to neglect your spiritual disciplines of fasting
and prayers.
 Take time to fellowship with other believers for edification.
 Take time to seek to be led of The Holy Spirit daily.

126
 Your consistency and deepened faith and walk with
The Lord will lift your ministry higher.
 God must be able to work more and through you,
provided you are a clean vessel.
References: Heb.5: 12-14, 2Pet. 1:5-11; 3:18.

22. Personal Development Skills
127
 Your ministry cannot grow higher than you have
gone yourself.
 Personal growth is a life long journey which you
must continually travel in.
 Don’t ever believe that you have arrived.
 Read books, buy magazines and get resources.

128
 Work on your strengths and don’t neglect your
weaknesses.
 Improve yourself everyday by learning new things.
 Seek the growth of your character and attitudes.
 Upgrade and update yourself through continuous
learning.
 Use every experience as a lesson to higher place.
 Use advices, ideas and suggestions that you can
get.

129
 Your personal development skills will take your
ministry higher than anything else.
 The day you stop growing, your ministry will stop
growing too and you’ll start groaning.

Wants Congregational Love?
130
 If you want your congregation to love you dearly,
do the following:
 Have powerful and dynamic teaching/message.
 Relationalism or Relationology – Care for them
 Supernatural occurrence in your ministry

Conclusion
131
 Get these skills carefully woven into the root and
fabric of your life, then your God-given ministry will
not only grow, but soar, cruise to new heights
unknown before you.
 People do not make a leader, but good people do.
So…..

The Four Qualities Of A Great Leader.
132
When you see a true leader, the four qualities that make
them great are:
 Understand quickly and promptly the needs of people and
meet them. Salesmen sell what the customer wants.
 Have the ability to make others succeed – Don’t ignore
ideas/opinions of others, don’t use people and discard them,
give them opportunity to rise and go up.
 Have a pioneering spirit and forge ahead - Be visionary, be
adventurous and aggressive.
 Invest all of our effort towards Self-development: Always ask
yourself: “What can I do to become a better leader daily?”
Monitor and measure your personal growth, have PDP that is
Personal Development Plan for your life.

Why many Leaders/Pastors failed!
133
 They somehow dilute the original vision that drove
them.
 Their success distorts them.
 Their weakness go unaddressed.
Note:
A good start is good, but a good finish is better.

Be Jack of All Trade….
134
 You know the common expression, 'a jack of all
trades'. I am sure a minister had need to be such a
one:
…a brave soldier,
…an alert watchman,
…a caring shepherd,
…a hardworking farmer,
… a skillful builder,
…a wise counselor,
…a competent physician,
…and a loving nurse.

Skills leads to Success in Ministry
135

All good work is done the way ants
do things, little by little.
Where better is possible, good is
not good enough.
Where best is possible, better is not
better enough.
136

“In ministry, no minister is
indispensable, we are all
expendables, therefore do your
best in your day!”
- Oyewole Sarumi (2004)
137

138

Your Anointing +
Creative Set-skills
Will Set You Up
Above The Crowd.
139

140

Fundamental ministry skills set for church leaders

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