What an incredible opportunity and responsibility it is to lead a ministry.
As the Director of Cherish Kids, I am charged with the precious opportunity to cast the vision and lead the mission in finding homes for foster and orphaned children. There are over 500,000 children in foster care in the United States. The task before us is great. I am beyond blessed that God would allow me the opportunity to work in this field, at the same time, I am challenged to produce results and make a difference with the tools I have been given.
It is my responsibility as the leader of the organization to keep the focus of the organization on the ultimate task at hand and produce outcomes showing success in our endeavors. I am thankful that as I seek God for help, He sends help. That help can be in the form of volunteers, encouragement, financial support or wisdom. I would encourage leaders of any ministry to consider the following:
1. Daily, if not hourly, remind yourself to do everything excellently as unto the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
2. Pray and seek God for wisdom.
Read His Word and watch how He directs leaders in the Bible. Consistently read books and articles on leadership.
3. Lead by example and work alongside your volunteers.
As you work in the trenches with your volunteers (soldiers), you must consistently share the bigger vision (the “hill” you want to take) with them. As they catch the vision and see the hill, they will work hard and offer to do more as they see how important their part of the mission is. You will know your team “gets it” when they are consistently offering to take more off of your plate so that you can return to the task of leading the troops and accomplishing the bigger goals.
4. Make sure every volunteer/staff member is working in their gifting.
The more important they feel their role is, the more passionate and happy they will feel about their work. Passionate volunteers will then inspire the whole team.
5. Lead with passion.
Arrive early, stay late, smile often! Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
6. Encourage and welcome ideas and suggestions from entrusted leaders who report to you.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
7. Never have more than 7 people who report directly to you.
8. Be bold, be strong, do not fear.
Psalm 18:39, “He will equip you with strength for the battle.”
9. Never give up.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
10. Praise God all day, every day.
He chose you to lead. Psalm 22:3, “He inhabits the praises of His people.” Praise Him and watch what He will accomplish.
Leading a ministry is adventurous and challenging. When you recognize and embrace both schools of thought, you can excitedly accept the challenge. My prayer is that I hear His voice and obey leading the ministry. There is always a blessing on the other side of obedience.
