Decision-making is a crucial aspect of leadership, and this is especially true for church leaders. The decisions made by church leaders, including your operations and facility stewardship leaders, can profoundly impact the lives of their congregants and the direction of the church as a whole.
Consider Your Vision and Mission
When making decisions as a church leader, the vision and mission of the church body should always come first. Decisions should be made through the lens of accomplishing the “why” your church exists and fulfills its mission. This can be difficult, as there may be competing interests and perspectives among different congregation members. However, it is essential for church leaders to keep this principle in mind as they make decisions.
Seeking Guidance
Another important consideration when making decisions as a church leader is to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This means taking the time to pray and reflect on the decision before acting. Seek input from others in the congregation who can provide a different perspective or insight.
Transparency
It is also essential for church leaders to be transparent and open about the decision-making process. Communicating with the congregation about the reasons behind a decision and the thought process that went into it can help to build trust and understanding among members. This can also provide an opportunity for members to give their insight and input, which can be valuable in helping to make a decision that fulfills the mission.
Be Open Minded
Another critical step in effective decision-making is involving diverse views. By bringing people together and seeking advice from individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs, the decision-makers can have a more well-rounded understanding of the situation and make a more informed decision. This can also mitigate groupthink and biases that often lead to suboptimal decisions.
Think About It
Lastly, another way to make a decision is to think about the long-term impact of the decision. It’s important to consider what is best for the church in the short term and how the decision will impact the church in the long term. This can involve considering the potential consequences of a decision and whether it is consistent with the values and mission of the church. This is especially true about stewarding your church facility.
Often, church leaders make decisions with only the short-term impact considered, such as not repairing or replacing components of the building or not setting aside money for the inevitable long-term capital reserve needs. These shortsighted decisions will lead to deferred maintenance, deteriorating facilities, poor first-time guest impressions, and a lack of funds for capital renewals, which can impact the fulfillment of your church's mission.
Conclusion: Church Leaders Need Wisdom
In conclusion, making decisions as a church leader requires a balance of wisdom, guidance, transparency, and long-term vision. Don't be shortsighted. Don’t take the easy way out.
Pray. Seek wise counsel. Be honest. And make sure to evaluate the short-term and long-term impacts of your decisions.
