|
A Special Message For Senior Pastors
 Dear Pastor,
In the many years of experience I have had bringing events to the local church I have made some important observations. I
have discovered that events do not change lives. As good as I believe our seminars are -- they have little long-term impact on
those who attend. Our tendency to view the event as the answer must be challenged.
Today, when I am asked by pastors to come with an event my first question is why? Please understand I am not trying to be
sarcastic or cute. It is a serious question that begs a serious response. Why do you want me to come? What is it about our
seminar that you feel is strategic for you at this time? How will the event help you in your quest to build depth into your people?
In other words, I am convinced that if our events are not part of an otherwise well thought out plan to build depth into people it
becomes just another event with little long-term value. Please understand that I am in no way suggesting that this is bad. In
fact, I think that this is the way it should be. Those of us doing this kind of work should be nothing more than servants to the
local church. The church is where real depth needs to be cultivated.
In light of this, On Target Ministries has developed a new strategy for helping the church maximize our events. Here is how it
works: We suggest that at some point before the actual event takes place, usually 3-6 months, you consider an advance trip.
Either I or one of my agents will come out and lead you and your leaders through some important and practical information that
will help to build momentum for the event and insure a sustainable process after.
A typical advance trip could look something like this: I arrive on Friday and spend Friday evening with you and the core group
of leaders you recommend. At this point I must say that the Senior Pastors involvement is mandatory. During this time we
discuss specifically what it takes to build a lasting ministry to men.
On Saturday morning we would bring a mini seminar, perhaps two sessions, to your core lay leaders and those people
responsible for promoting the event. This builds excitement and a real sense of commitment for the event. On Sunday morning
we would speak at your church and this is where most of the people get a chance to size up just how important this event is and
what to expect. I have had as many as 80-100 signups after a Sunday morning message.
Then, if this is a broader event reaching other parts of your city, we could use Monday morning as a time for local pastors to
join us for breakfast. At this time I would communicate the vision for the event to come and enlist their support.
To better help you understand my reasons for this please read the article, Vision That Drives Ministry, written for Senior
Pastors, and Intentional Christianity, An Article For Pastors.
Vince D'Acchioli
Founder
|
|
|
|
