Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 3:5-6
With snow and ice in the forecast as last weekend approached, we were wrestling with how to navigate our scheduled Leader’s Conference on Tuesday. The changing forecast created much uncertainty. I was asking questions like…
- Will we be able to get the keynote speakers here from Cincinnati and Detroit?
- Would the workshop presenters be able to drive here from Charlottesville and Maryland?
- Will the host church parking lot be cleared?
- Will we even have power?
- Will Chick-fil-A and Jason’s Deli be open to prepare the food?
- If we host the in-person event, will men be able to get here?
These are the types of questions that many folks don’t think about if they aren’t responsible for the event. Many who follow Noble Warriors live in this space of responsible leadership. Responsible men are forced to think about these logistics questions. But I was also thinking about the fact that we want to model effective men’s ministry strategies for the local church. So, I know you were watching what we were doing.
I’ve learned over the years that it’s dangerous to cancel. If you cancel something even once, folks will be reluctant to commit next time. So, I knew we had to do everything in our power to deliver on our promise to make Tuesday’s event serve churches as they equip men to walk with Christ and lead well. I was talking to our team and talking to God. Asking “What is the wise and prudent move here? What is the best stewardship of the trust relationship we have with pastors, leaders and others?”
Here are some things we kept in mind as we wrestled with the question.
- Pray!
- Don’t panic.
- Lean forward.
- See opportunity rather than obstacles.
- Don’t give up at first contact.
- Try not to cancel, it erodes trust.
- Be a creative problem solver.
- Guys generally extend grace in a crisis.
- Many guys are glad they don’t have to make the decision.
- Most folks don’t know what it takes to pull off an event.
- Rescheduling “for next week or next month” is not an option.
- Consider every possibility.
- Invite wisdom and input from others.
- Communicate clearly.
- Steward resources and relationships for Kingdom advancement.
On Thursday morning, as the storm approached, a men’s small group was meeting in the NW office, and I shared the dilemma with them and asked for prayer support. One of the guys made a suggestion that set our course of action. He suggested that we consider a live event, with a webinar format. His comment broke the code and gave us direction. The day was salvaged, and many men were blessed. Here are 5 big ideas about how to Pivot and Keep Going! when you encounter a ministry obstacle.
- God knows the situation. He’s not surprised, and his wisdom is best. Ask for it.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 3:5-6
2. Get the whole picture in view. We can easily focus on one or two aspects of the problem and miss some critical issues. Step back far enough to see the big picture.
3. It’s whiteboard time! List the obstacles and opportunities. Invite others to process with you. This is why teams are important. We all need insight and perspective from folks who see things differently. Hear their voices. Nick is the one who said, “Have you thought about a live webinar format?”
4. Choose a course of action. Once you know where you’re headed, map out the steps and communicate clearly. Again, lean on the Lord and your team. Remember, the body of Christ has many parts with important functions. Engage the entire body!
5. Praise the Lord! We are grateful to the Lord for what He allowed us to do with this event. We originally had 143 registered. Over 120 joined us for the online event and we’ve gotten great feedback. The Lord salvaged the day, provided a team to set up the webinar, (Todd Christian is a Rock Star!) and allowed us, in spite of a major obstacle, to pivot effectively and continue with our mission… On Tuesday, in the aftermath of a major winter storm.
Noble Warriors served churches as they equip men
to walk with Christ and lead well!
And you know what, men were watching… Eric, the men’s ministry leader from Grove Church sent an email to his men on Tuesday after our event…
Men,
I just got word that the Church will be closed tomorrow and that all evening activities will be cancelled…at the Church…however, I have a plan!!!!
Taking a page from Mike Young and the Noble Warrior crew, I am going to pivot and have a ZOOM only Bible study tomorrow night. Our guest speaker will be joining us on ZOOM and we will continue…
So guys, two final takeaways here… Don’t let an obstacle, even a big one, prevent you from doing effective ministry to and through men. And be aware that someone is always watching.
God bless you men! I hope to see you at one of our three Noble Warriors Men’s Conferences! We’re praying, even harder now, that the weather is good on February 21, March 7, and March 21!