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STEP III. How to involve the group
in the project?
The process begins by placing a goal before the group for discussion.
State the goal! State it as clearly and precisely as possible. Remember it was
established by the work area last year, approved by the Council on the Ministries, and the
Administrative Board. Funds have been provided in the budget. Now the question . . WHAT
ARE YOUR FEELINGS IN IMPLEMENTING THIS GOAL? Such a feeling
question will enable any person in the group to come at the question from any angle they
desire. A feeling question has no objective answer so any statement related to the
question should have value.
Usually the point of entrance into the discussion will be a dead give away where each person will work in committee once implementation begins.
Some will be interested in publicizing the project properly.
Some materials and resources, some how the program will be presented (speaker, video, or some special activity).
Remember, most successful church programs involve:
1. Publicity,
2. Securing Materials,
3. Refreshments,
4. Printed Materials,
5. Audio Visuals, Plus
6. Contacting Persons.
Where people show and interest tells the good leader where the individual would most likely serve at their best.
Listen closely to the conversation. Each individual will say where they want to work. An individual is encouraged to enter more completely into the project by the warmth, and feeling of acceptance given to their ideas. To disregard an individual's idea is saying to the person they do not belong to the group. It is better to strain a point and help an individual make a statement by discussing vague statements until they are clear, than to move hurriedly and uncomfortably on to another person. Remember, people will grow only through nurture and acceptance. As leader you set the pace in your group. All of these people like yourself have agreed to serve. Use them! Motivate them! Resource them!
Move the discussion toward some logical conclusion, and when it is thoroughly discussed and the group seems to be sold on the project, make assignments, or ask for volunteers. Personally, I would assign chairpersons and have volunteers for the committee. Remember ... FEW PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN DOING SOMEONE ELSE'S PROGRAM. Most everyone is interested in supporting a program in which they have ownership.
NOW FOR A FEW DON'TS:
1. DON'T...go to the group with every phase thought out to the degree you must defend your own position. "Its got to be done my way, or not way at all" kills all creativity.
2. DON'T... sell a program by saying the preacher, the staff, Administrative Board, or even the bishop says we have to do this.