Busy Doesn't Always Mean Productive
In our journey to build God's kingdom, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity that comes with running a church. But are we truly moving forward, or are we just spinning our wheels? A recent conversation with a friend starting a business reminded me of a crucial lesson that applies just as much to our churches as it does to the business world.
The Parable of the Misguided Entrepreneur
My friend, eager to launch his new venture, found himself consumed with branding and website design deep in the weeds of logos, fonts, and colors. While these elements have their place, they distract him from the core tasks needed to start and grow his business permits, build out of his office, production of goods, etc. In his busyness, he was, in fact, procrastinating on the essential groundwork.
This scenario mirrors a challenge many of our churches face today. We pour our energy into programs, events, and aesthetics, believing that these activities equate to progress. But are we addressing the real needs of our congregation and community? Are we truly advancing our mission?
The Danger of "Busy Procrastination" in Church Leadership
Just as my friend was avoiding the challenging but necessary tasks of business development, we in church leadership can fall into the trap of "busy procrastination." We might find ourselves:
Creating a trendy sermon brand ID in Canva versus reaching out to new members
Planning elaborate events without clear spiritual growth objectives
Focusing on administrative tasks while neglecting personal connections with our congregation
Remember, busyness does not always equate to effectiveness. As the book of Proverbs wisely counsels, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5, ESV)
Aligning Actions with Vision
To avoid this pitfall, we must ensure that our actions align with our church's vision and God's calling. Here are some steps to consider:
Clarify Your Vision: What specific impact do you want your church to have on your congregation and community? This vision should guide all your activities.
Prioritize Essential Tasks: Identify the core activities that directly contribute to spiritual growth, community outreach, and discipleship.
Evaluate Current Activities: Assess your church's programs and initiatives. Do they align with your vision and prioritize the essentials?
Focus on Relationships: Remember, the church is not a building or a set of programs, but a community of believers. Prioritize activities that build and strengthen relationships.
Measure What Matters: Don't confuse activity with progress. Establish metrics that reflect genuine spiritual growth and community impact.
The apostle Paul reminds us to be intentional in our efforts: "So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air." (1 Corinthians 9:26, ESV)
A Call to Purposeful Action
As leaders, we're called to be good stewards of our time and resources. Let's challenge ourselves to move beyond mere busyness to true kingdom-building activities. Ask yourself:
Are we focusing on what truly matters for the spiritual growth of our congregation?
How can we shift our energy from "busy work" to impactful ministry?
What one change can we make this week to better align our actions with our vision?
Remember, Jesus himself focused on what was truly important, often withdrawing from the crowds to pray and commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). Let's follow His example of purposeful action guided by divine priorities.
Your Next Step
If you find yourself struggling to set a clear strategy or vision for your church, or if you need help putting these practices into place, we're here to help. Reach out to us and let's work together to grow your church in a way that truly matters.
Let's commit to moving beyond busy procrastination and into purposeful, vision-driven ministry. After all, as the body of Christ, we're called not just to be busy but to be fruitful (John 15:8).
Michael Visser
Co-founder, Threefold Solutions
P.S. Have you experienced "busy procrastination" in your ministry? Share your stories and strategies for overcoming it in the comments below. Let's learn from each other as we strive to build God's kingdom more effectively.
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