Notes from one of our live group coaching calls inside DigitalLeadershipLab.com. We discussed how to define "success" biblically, how to measure actual growth and health, and how to map out a strategy for effective ministry leadership and church growth in the coming year. To be part of our next call, sign up at http://DigitalLeadershipLab.com.

1. Reviewing Your Year, Measuring “Success”, and
Mapping Out Your Next Year of Ministry

2. How we usually measure ministry “success”
• Weekend attendance numbers
• Rate of growth in attendance
• Popularity of the personality on stage
• Size of the budget and/or offerings
• Recognition by other influential leaders
• Comparison to other “successful” churches

3. These are measurements of “having.”

4. First, you must BE.
Then, you must DO.
Then, you will HAVE.

5. Metrics of BEING
• Have we been true to our doctrinal foundations?
• Have we been true to our biblical mission?
• Have we been true to our stated values?
• Have we shown our community who we say we are?
• Have we honored Jesus above all things?

6. Metrics of DOING
• Have we been effectively inviting the community? (# of guests)
• Have we been following up faithfully? (# of returns)
• Have we been focusing on the unreached? (# of baptisms)
• Have we been calling people to commitment? (# joining)
• Have we been connecting people? (# in groups)

7. Metrics of DOING
• Have we been seeing an increase in giving? (# of givers)
• Have we been empowering people to serve? (# of volunteers)
• Have we been serving people well? (# served)
• Have we seen leaders emerging? (# of team leaders)
• Have we been sending people on mission? (# on trips)

8. When you focus on DOING
things that reflect who you ARE,
you will HAVE what you are
supposed to HAVE.

9. 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 NLT
What’s important is that God makes the seed
grow. The one who plants and the one who
waters work together with the same purpose.
And both will be rewarded for their own hard
work.
In other words...

10. As you plan and set goals,
focus on who your church
is going to BE.

11. Tips for planning who you will BE
• Remind and re-teach your mission, vision, and values.
• Pray about a “theme” for your church year.
• Re-affirm your guidelines for adding staff and leaders.
• Choose models, mentors, and friends wisely.
• Get coaching and accountability.

12. Tips for planning what you will DO
• Support ministry that aligns with God’s purposes.
• Use your core values as a litmus test for what gets planned.
• Chart a pathway with next steps for discipleship.
• Make the pathway as accessible as possible.
• Don’t DO it all - empower leaders to equip DOERS.

13. Plan in ADVANCE to celebrate and
thank God for the fruit that is produced
as you BECOME the church he wants
you to BE.