SEVEN HABITS

          Many of you have heard of perhaps read Steven Covey’s book published in 1989 entitled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.”  It has sold over 15 million copies in 28 different languages.  Ever since, there have been many copycat books and articles. 

One that came across my desk a while back talks about “Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches” AND “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches.”  I though this month I would share those habits with you and you can see how we stack up.  I have copies of the complete text of this one page article in my office if you would like one.

Okay, here is goes.  First the INEFFECTIVE habits:

1) Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there.

2) Take no risks. Make great use of the word “no.”

3) Practice the following evangelism strategy: “If they want us, they know where to find us.”  Don’t think that needs elaborating on.

4) Blame early and often. Scapegoats should be identified and used often.  5) Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. “I’ve just been so busy” works really well.

6) Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy.  If someone is unhappy, it’s a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job.

7) Spend as little money as possible.  The very best programs cost no money, right? If it was good enough for your grandparents, it’ll be good enough for your grandchildren.

Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin. Here are the EFFECTIVE habits:

1) Strive for excellence in service to Christ.  Give God your best whatever you do.

2) Cultivate a spirit of innovation and experimentation. Remember, if you’re not failing at something, you’re probably not trying anything.

3) Take the initiative to build relationships with people and groups in the wider community beyond your congregation. Refuse to be isolated. Be curious about what’s going on beyond the four walls of your church.

4) Accept responsibility for mistakes, learn from them, and in all things let grace abound.  In the end, and in the beginning, it is about God’s grace, not our achievements. Cut others and yourself some slack.

5) “Always be prepared to give an account of the hope that is within you.” (1 Peter 3:15) Look for where the love, energy, and life are flowing and focus on that. Trust God to find a way even when we can’t.

6) Be willing to let people go in order to stay focused on your core mission. It is more important for your church to be clear and steady about its core mission than it is to make everyone happy.

7) Splash it on! God loves cheerful givers. So spend money wisely, well, and freely in God’s cause.

Well, there they are.  How do you think we do?  Mixed bag, I would guess, but it is something that is helpful to think about.  So let’s think about it and see what happens!

          Be blessed, my friends.  I am glad you are a part of us.  Let us never be stagnant but always going toward that which helps us live out that which we hold dear – the Gospel!

          And as always, I’ll see you on Sunday!

Pastor Tom