(By Jim Harper)

"Having a deadline and keeping true to it can be the determining factor of your ministry being regarded as excellent or not"
Jim Harper

A deadline is: "A limited time when something must be finished."

Do you find yourself or your staff starting but not finishing assignments? Do you tend to postpone or procrastinate? Almost anyone can start a project but not all completed them. Establishing a "deadline" policy in your ministry can be one of the most effective tools at your disposal. Here are some guidelines you can follow.

Benefits of having Deadlines:

• Helps keep priorities in place
  
• Increases motivation
  
• Promotes a sense of team work on projects
  
• Increases productivity
  
• Establishes a standard for how long projects should take
  
• A tool to establish trust when the assignment is done on time
  
• It gives the project a sense of importance

How to set Deadlines:

• Set a fair deadline (not too short and not too long)
  
• When giving deadlines try to know before hand the workload of the person so you don't give them too much (watch their body language when you give them the deadline)
  
• Deadlines should not be given in a threatening way but in a team spirit

To whom to give Deadlines:

• Set deadlines for almost everyone in your ministry and especially for those who have a history of being late (even volunteers)
  
• Strong personalities like the pressure of a deadline, it's a challenge to them.
  
• Introverted personalities don't like the pressure but actually work better under pressure.

How to receive a deadline from your superior:

• When receiving an assignment:
  
  • Don't look shocked or panic
    
  • Take a few seconds to check your planner & to see if you have an available time.
    
  • Take a quick inventory if you have enough resources to do the assignment on time.
  • If you don't have the time or resources, look your superior in the eye and explain why you won't be able to meet the deadline. Discuss with him the options for a solution.
    
• Never take an assignment if you are unsure if the deadline can be met.
  
• If you are half way in the assignment and you see the deadline won't be met, tell the superior as soon as possible.
  
• If the deadline comes and the assignment is not done, be ready to give good reason why it wasn't.

Do you have a deadline policy in place? On what projects can you implement a deadline? Can you teach your staff to use the management tool of a deadline? If so and it is properly maintained and managed, your days of procrastination and incomplete projects will be over. You will be regarded as a ministry of trust and excellence!

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Proverbs 6:10-11

By:
Jim Harper
Missionary/Itinerate Minister
Founder of "Radical Church Growth"

Email:
jhm-acc@cfaith.com

Web site:
www.jimharper.org

U.S. Address:
Jim Harper Ministries
303 East 2nd Street #1032
Skiatook, OK 74070
U.S. phone: (619) 757 9453

We pray that these "Ministry Management Tips" have been a blessing to you and will help you grow your church or ministry. You may forward these to anyone who may benefit from them.

Your feedback and comments are welcomed. We are looking forward to hearing from you!