Making time for REALationships Part1

As we launch into 2009, one the most important things I want to make sure that I do this year is to cultivate authentic relationships with those who serve with me. I'm a very relational person but this task becomes very difficult when you lead a larger group of people. I have had to be very creative to make sure people know that I don't care about them because of what they do. I care about people because of who they are. In the busyness of life, trying to balance family, work, ministry, and your personal life this can be a difficult task. It's easy as a leader to make this requirement for those you lead but are you implementing REALationships in your life. Volunteers and staff need to know you care about them. You must speak their language. I know many times last year; I missed it. It was too much for me. There is no way possible I can care for everyone on my team. In years past, I had a strategy of pouring into the leaders and having them pour into those who serve under them. This strategy didn’t work across the board this year. Jesus gives us the very example in how he poured into his disciples. Jesus poured into a few and they poured into the multitude.

My plan for this year is to have "One on Ones" with each ministry leader. In my one on ones; I like to get to know my leaders on a more personal level. I try to make the time with them, as informal as possible. The questions start by asking them, “How they are doing". People need to know you care about them and what goes on in their lives. This has awakened me to many things in the past and gave me a greater understanding of those who serve with me. I make it a point to ask them about their family, jobs and personal goals. Ministry is the last thing we talk about, if it even comes up. This has been a very important strategy in developing Leaders who care about others. Caring for leaders is what it is all about. I have a few questions for you? How do your leaders know you care? How do you wish you were cared for as leader?

Stay tuned for part two of Making time for REALationships