(By Jim Harper)

"The structure of the church is like the anointing, you may not know what it is…but you know what it isn't"
Anonymous

Structure means: "A construction made up of a combination of related parts"

Does your foundation have cracks in it? In this short management training I will certainly not be able to cover all that is needed to establish and maintain your church or ministry structure but I will be able to share with you some helpful tips. From working with the churches in the U.S. and in the Former USSR and conducting our "Radical Church Growth" program I have found that if this simplified application of your foundation is not in place the programs and outreaches will not have continued success.

Basic Church Systems:

• Evangelism: Getting the people in. According to church growth studies, evangelism is most effective when done by the whole congregation involved with them personally inviting people to church.
  
• Training and Equipping: Getting the people informed and growing in Christ. This needs to be systematic, applicable, with the whole congregation involved and a motivating reward system in place.
  
• Mobilizing: Getting the people in their places and giftings and doing their part in the work of the ministry in the body of Christ. This gives them purpose and satisfaction in the local church.

Benefits of Department/Job Descriptions:

• Establishes clarity between pastor and staff.
  
• Aids in interviewing and hiring for a position. Clearly stated requirements help interviewers cover all the appropriate topics with all the candidates.
  
• Establishes a standard whereby further advancement and effectiveness can be obtained.
  
• When filling a position you can compare the candidate's strengths and weaknesses with the position description.
  
• When there is a problem in a staff member's performance you can revert to the written description as a standard of evaluation.

How to write Department/Job Descriptions:

• Title of the department/job should accurately describe its function.
  
• Write a two-sentence purpose statement.
  
• Divide the department/job into 3 or 4 main responsibilities and write them out.
  
• Make a list of general activities.
  
• You may also want to make a list of skills and knowledge needed to hold this position.
  
• Make your description within reality. Not too vague and not overwhelming.

Maintaining Department/Job Descriptions:

• As your church grows and changes keep your descriptions updated and current.
  
• Keep your descriptions in your office policies and procedures manual.
  
• Make sure all of your staff has a copy of the descriptions and understands them.

One of the main keys of success in your church structure and programs is to have these basic functions systematic, which are EVANGELISM, TRAINING, and MOBILIZING. This will greatly aid in preventing cracks in your foundation and set you on course for explosive growth. What can you do today to confirm a strong and effective foundation and growth program in your church? Are they in place? Apply them today and push through to the next level of growth!

"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."
Luke 6:48

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!