In the book First, Break all the Rules, by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, they list 12 core questions Gallup discovered that, when asked, give organizations the information they need to attract, focus, and keep the most talented employees.

Pastors and church leaders would do well to regularly ask their employees to answer them.

Recently our church celebrated our 25th year anniversary. I’ve been privileged to serve as the lead pastor for six years.

Here’s how we celebrated.

Our creative arts team created a fantastic experience that told the story of the last 25 years in all three of our services that weekend. It included several video testimonies, several ‘best of’ dramas, and some of the church’s favorite solos through the years. I spoke for less that five minutes. I made the change ‘on the fly’ to can my 15 minute prepared message (a first for me) because I felt it would intrude into the moment. We finished the service with some incredible worship, some of the best since I’ve been here. We also held a picnic on Sunday afternoon that provided lots of fellowship time for former members to mingle with their friends still at the church.

I reflected on this experience and believe these five reasons justify regular celebrations, whether to celebrate major milestones such as a 25th year anniversary, or to celebrate small wins.

1. Scripture often tells us to remember God’s blessings. Celebration helps us do that (Ps 77.11)
2. Celebration helps people feel like they are part of a movement that is truly ‘winning’.
3. Celebration helps mitigate the message that our ‘success’ culture often breeds that we don’t measure up.
4. Celebration builds confidence in leadership that they are leading the church in the right direction.
5. Celebration taps that ‘made in God’s image’ part of us. God created us to worship and when we celebrate His goodness, we feel most fully alive.

So, our 25th year anniversary reminded me that as a pastor, I must lead our church to often celebrate our wins, even the small ones.

How do you regularly celebrate your church’s wins?

For more Ministry Tips and Resources for Pastors, visit Pastor Stone’s main site.

I’ve been in full-time vocational ministry nearly 30 years and used to  think that the most important use of my time was preaching the message. I still believe that, especially for the masses, but perhaps the second most important time is what I do right before the service and right after the service.

I call it the “ministry of presence.” My high visibility as I chat with people, shake their hands, and give them a listening ear provides a tiny “one-on-one” window into their hearts. I believe those brief interactions often affect them more than the sermon itself.

Here are four simple choices to maximize that time.

1. Look for the “deer-in-the-headlights” look. This look often telegraphs new people. I look at peoples’ eyes and I can usually catch their “I’m new here and have no idea what to do or where to go.” I will introduce myself and try to make them feel that I really care. A touch like that from a pastor can make a profound impact on a new person.
2. Seek out those in wheelchairs, those with canes, or those with other physical or mental challenges. One guy, Robin, comes to our service in a motorized wheelchair. A mobile ventilator attached to his wheelchair keeps him alive. Another boy, Nicholas, is confined to his wheelchair. He is twelve. One older teen walks with a bent body and slurs her words when she talks. I don’t let a service go by without talking, touching, and affirming them.
3. Give your full attention to people when you do talk to them. Avoid the, “talking to one person while you are getting ready to talk to the next person” persona. People quickly sense half-hearted listeners.
4. Finally, steer clear of the monopolizers. This may sound harsh, but some people will take your entire time before and after a service as they talk about themselves or some problem. I will often walk up a different aisle so as to avoid getting cornered by a monopolizer.

These simple practices have made many powerful spiritual deposits in others as I offer them my “ministry of presence.”

Try out these ideas this month and see if you, too, feel God’s pleasure.

Related posts:

• What a guy on a ventilator taught me
• What a dying man taught me

For more Help and Resources for Pastors, visit Pastor Stone’s main site.

I learned an odd thing about Nicaragua today. Insomniac roosters live here. At about 3 am this morning a rooster decided to flex his vocal chords, repeatedly for 4 straight hours. He is continuing his display even as I write this blog.

Fried pollo (chicken in Spanish) will be quite tasty for lunch. I recruited the security guard to help. He carries a quick load shot gun. Looking for a quieter night tonight.

On the serious side: This morning we will attend an English speaking church and tonight we will show the kid’s version of the Jesus film (dubbed in Spanish). We will do a free raffle and give away some soccer balls as well as a gospel bracelet to each child. I’m praying that many kids will clearly understand the gospel and respond.

Tomorrow we begin the first of three 1-day pastors and wives conferences. We expect around 200 for the first. Then, tomorrow night we will show the adult version of the Jesus film.

A final thought: it’s amazing how the soul feels cleansed without the incessant bombardment of man-made sounds. If you have a chance to be someplace without man-made sound, please do it. You’ll be refreshed at your experience.

PS-as I finished this blog, unbeknownst to me, this rooster had made his way to the entrance of the church building where I was writing and scared the bejeebers out of me when he crowed, 3 feet away from me! I am not making this up. I feel like I’m being stalked.

For more Help and Resources for Pastors, visit Pastor Stone’s main site.