I. Define each area of responsibility.
A. What is the Biblical view of this area of ministry?
B. What is the history of involvement and leadership in this aspect of the church's ministry?
C. What are the church's general assumptions concerning this ministry?
D. Are there any existing written policy statements about how this ministry has best been carried out?
E. How is this ministry viewed by the members of the congregation?
F. Recognizing that each area of ministry is different, what is the current organizational plan for this area of ministry, and what are some ideas for improvement?
II. Gather information.
A. Learn what is presently happening.
(Previously printed materials, consultations, interviews, phone calls, questionnaires, hallway discussions, etc.)
B. Become familiar with pertinent historical points. Who are the people who have been involved in the past?
C. Take inventory of resources.
(People, space, supplies, budget, leadership, job descriptions)
D. Discern morale of leaders and members of groups.
E. Assess outside information through reading, consultants, leaders from other churches, etc.
F. Assess the relationships of people working in this ministry, and also the health of the communication process.
G. Develop a statement that indicates strengths and needs.
III. Develop goals.
A. Seek the Lord as to what "faithfulness" means in this area of ministry.
B. Invite others to join in prayer for the development of a shared vision.
C. Verbalize and write down the goals.
D. Share with other Deacons and the Pastor what you envision for the Church in these areas of oversight.
IV. Share the leadership
A. Nurture the vision - talk about it.
B. Involve key people in planning sessions.
C. Develop a plan to recruit people to serve together in the fulfillment of the ministry.
D. Develop a strategy whereby people may receive adequate training.
E. Establish a well understood communication process.
V. Provide support, i.e. follow-up
A. Demonstrate a personal interest in the welfare of the members of the church who are serving in your area. Faithfully pray for each one.
B. Build caring relationships among leaders and helpers.
C. Keep updating information through periodic inquiries.
D. Be personally present at impromptu and/or important moments.
E. Solve problems immediately. Take care of conflicts as soon as they become evident.
F. Be on guard for leadership "burn-out"; yours and others'.
G. Provide meaningful evaluation and feed back. Provide a balance between encouragement and positive suggestions for improvement.
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