As you look at 2015, it's important to take some time to prepare for what's ahead. Here's 7 steps that will help you and your team get ready.
Step 1 - Evaluate last year.
Take a hard, honest look at last year. What worked well? What flopped? Where did you have momentum? Where are the weak spots? How many kids and families did you reach? How many new volunteers did you enlist? What goals did you reach? What goals did you not reach?
Step 2 - Take time to think, plan and pray.
Before you jump into the new year, take time to sit and just think, plan, and pray. I take our team on a one-day retreat in January for this purpose.
Step 3 - Identify your priorities.
Out of steps 1 and 2, identity what your priorities will be for 2015. What do you want to focus on? What are the few things that you really want to pour time, energy and resources into?
Step 4 - Set goals.
Once you've established your priorities, set goals that you want to reach. The goals should be specific and measurable. An example would be to enlist 25 new volunteers.
Step 5 - Create a strategy.
Create a strategy that will help you reach the goals you've set. This includes spiritual steps, programming, events, classes, etc.
Step 6 - Set your calendar.
Translate your strategy onto your calendar. Every item on your calendar should be a step that helps you reach the goals you've set. Be very strategic with your calendar. Don't do anything just because you've always done it or are trying to keep it alive. Sometimes you have to let something good on your calendar die so something great can live on your calendar.
Step 7 - Rally the team.
Include key leaders in steps 1-6. And then once you've completed steps 1-6, rally the team behind the 2015 vision and strategy. Share the passion you have for seeing these things come to fruition.
Can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through your team this year!
