Last week I led a Parent Focus Group at our church. I do this twice a year. I bring in a group of 8-10 parents and ask them questions about their perception, thoughts, ideas, etc. regarding the Children's Ministry. As usual, I got some eye-opening information, great insight, and valuable feedback. It reminded me of how vital it is to ask questions if you want to grow personally and as a ministry.
What keeps us from asking questions?
- Pride. We don't want to admit that we have weak areas. Personally and in the ministry we lead.
- Pretending. It's easier to stick our heads in the sand and pretend everything is perfect. It's not easy hearing "there's a lot that needs to improve." It forces us out of our comfort zone.
- Pace. We're so busy that we don't take time to slow down and find out how we can improve. It's like trying to jump off a moving train. It's easier to just keep hanging on and riding along.
- It helps you identify and overcome personal blind spots. Ask some people you trust and who will be honest with you, what your blind spots are. They call them "blind spots" for a reason. You'll never grow past what you can't see...and you'll never see them until you ask.
- It helps you get other people's perception of the ministry. Just because you think everything is excellent, doesn't mean it is. Find out what others are experiencing and thinking.
- It gives you great ideas you could never think of by yourself. At our last parent focus group, a mother shared an idea that we have implemented. It has made a huge difference in an area of our Children's Ministry. We would have never thought of it without her input.
- It helps you slow down and work "on" the ministry. It's not always easy to work "on" the ministry while you are working "in" in the ministry. Asking questions forces you to do this.
What other benefits do you get from asking questions? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.
Posted by Dale Hudson
