This week the sounds of longhorn trumpets and a flaming torch will call the athletes of world to Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. What lessons can church leaders learn from these world class athletes? Let’s examine key points:
1. Preparation
Most Olympic athletes have trained all their lives to be ready to compete in the Sochi Games. From childhood they, along with parents and friends, have spent countless hours dreaming, watching, listening, learning, practicing, and playing (both winning and losing) to be selected as a representative for their country on the Olympic team.
As we make our plans for ministry do we make a similar commitment? Have we taken the time to carefully plan all the details? Have we learned from others of experience who have gone before us and would we be prepared if the unexpected happen?
2. Practice
No athlete is successful without hours of practicing their skills, positioning and understanding the rules of their sport. Early morning, late into the night they practice and watch game films. Immersing themselves into a greater understanding of their sport and their abilities.
As we plan our ministry activities have we taken the time to work with our staff and volunteers in role-playing the expectations of a successful ministry? Have you reviewed what went well and what could we have done better the last time this activity was held? Are you confident that the right person(s) with the correct talents or personality are in appropriate positions to accomplish the ministry’s mission? Do you as the leader understand what will be expected to keep the ministry on course and abide by church policies or legal requirements?
3. Exercise
Warm up and cool down exercise is an important part of the daily routine for all successful athletes. These exercises help to prepare one’s body for the physical stress and stamina that will be required of them during the game. It also helps to prevent disabling injuries.
What about your facilities? Have you been actively involved in making sure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been done on buildings, vehicles and equipment at your church or school? Preventive maintenance is the routine exercise that keeps your facilities in good repair. It helps to prepare your buildings for the unexpected stress of storms and may help to limit the damage that can so easily happen to unmaintained properties.
To help you plan and prepare for your ministry, activities and maintenance you can contact us at www.CaliforniaChurchInsurance.com or at 1-800-767-8681. We want to help you keep your organization safe and secure.