By Gail Marsh
It’s not a misprint: it’s a call to action! All successful leaders know that the hard work of goal setting is well worth the time and effort. There are hundreds of quotes about goals. Here are just three:
- “Goals determine what you’re going to be.” (Julius Erving)
- “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” (Napoleon Hill)
- “The most important thing about a goal is having one.” (Anonymous)
Often, a gold prospector’s map guided his actions. Developing goals will be the first step to mapping out your next steps, as well. Not only will specific goals guide your ministry efforts, they will help you set priorities, provide motivation, and enable you to evaluate your ministry’s effectiveness.
So . . . how do you begin? Invite a wide diversity of women to join you in initial goal brainstorming. (For example, various age groups, varying economic backgrounds, new Christians, and long-time members.) Talk together about the women’s dreams for this ministry. Welcome each idea with enthusiasm and grace. Cover these areas in your conversation: Spiritual, Social, Service, and Outreach. Record ideas under the appropriate heading. Share these notes and let them prompt inspiration for additional dreams as you collaborate together. Explain that you will use these notes to guide you in setting goals for the year in Women’s Ministry. Perhaps not every idea will be addressed in the first year, but be sure the women know you plan to keep the lists for following years.
After you’ve gathered ideas, plan time to talk with your goal-planning team. A group of five to seven works best. Work to set goals for each of these areas: Spiritual, Social, Service, and Outreach. If four areas seem too overwhelming, narrow your focus. Realize that some goals may hit more than one area. For example, a women’s retreat will potentially meet both spiritual and social goals. Follow basic goal-setting “rules.” Goals should be:
- Clearly defined: write goals down for easy reference and to keep everyone focused.
- Realistically attainable: big goals are fine. Allow adequate time to reach them.
- Measurable: how will you know if a goal has been met?
- Time-bound: for example, “within the next year,” or “each month.”
Set long-term overall goals first. For example: By the year 2025, a minimum of 50% of the women at St. Andrew’s will be actively involved in Women’s Ministry. Then, make incremental goals that will help you reach your long-term goal. Ask: What needs to happen in order for us to reach that goal? Increase participation a minimum of 10% each year. Ask: What needs to happen in order for us to reach that goal? Involve a minimum of ten additional women in Bible study this year. Or, Increase participation by ten women via a new moms support group.
Ready to dig for goals? You never know what God will help you discover. So give it a try! Golden opportunities for ministry await!
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2020 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.