Hey, you guys! This post is really narrow in its focus but I’m throwing it out here anyway. It’s for anyone who happens to be in a similar position of leadership over a ministry or staff of similar size. Every Fall I start thinking about vision casting for the new year and what changes we need to make or new initiatives we want to implement. Last week I decided to create and send my 14 Living Proof employees (ages 21 through early 70s) an informal questionnaire that I hoped would allow me to gather some insight toward casting vision for 2018. I gave them several days to return it, printed out all their responses, put them in a notebook then started combing through them. My eyes got wider and wider. That notebook was a goldmine. Not only did they get a chance to speak to me confidentially about any frustrations or unfulfilled expectations. They got to tell me the dreams and visions for ministry residing in their own hearts. Mind you, we spend many lunch hours together and have ongoing discussions of all kinds. We’re a small staff and I hold none of them at arm’s distance yet I learned volumes from their responses. Among other things, I got to see some potential in each of those 14 people that I’d never have known to tap. We had one of the best team meetings of our ministry existence today as I shared with them my general findings and opened the floor for discussion. Trust me when I tell you, we have some fun plans for 2018.
There’s nothing special about this questionnaire. I put it together quickly and didn’t stress over professional jargon. I plainly and simply asked them what I wished to know. I’m just sharing it with you in case it encourages you to create one of your own with the group of believers you oversee. I’m a teacher at heart and that means, among other things, that I can’t keep anything I find helpful to myself. Their answers were invaluable to me. So, here it is in full, including my introductory paragraphs, in case any part of it is useful. I sent it to them in a word document so they could modify the space between each question according to the length of their answers. Hope it encourages somebody. Leading is no easy task.
It’s an honor to serve you guys!
Autumn 2017 LPM Staff Questionnaire
I deeply appreciate the privilege of serving with you and highly esteem your insights. Your responses to these questions will be so helpful, particularly as I pore over each one then sit back from them all and ask God to help me perceive where overlapping passions exist and how God wants to maximize our effectiveness in the great work of Christ’s gospel. This is a season of significant transition and every change, I believe and trust, will be toward becoming more fruitful but this I know: it’s going to require fresh fiery faith. Egos have to diminish for vision to replenish. Let’s all become game for change, not in job description in most cases but in vision, motivation, mission and goal-setting. Good days are ahead.
Please feel completely free to express yourself, including your hopes and dreams and disappointments. I know you love me and you know I love you. This is not personal. This is missional. We can’t walk by faith into the future on our tiptoes so step into this questionnaire with boldness. Everything (personal) you share will be held in confidential trust between God and me and treated with prayer and meditation and petition for much wisdom. I have only one desire greater at LPM than for each person to thrive in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is for the locomotion of all our individual thriving to be harnessed one direction on a train track that carries bona fide supernatural freight into the future to exalt God’s great name and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Name: ___________________________________________________
How long have you been on staff at LPM? __________________________
What was your hope for your job when you were hired?
Was that hope fulfilled?
In what areas have you felt unfulfilled?
Do you feel free to speak and heard when you speak?
If you’ve been at LPM long enough for this to apply, how has your holy passion changed over time?
What do you wish you could do that you don’t have – or have not yet had – an opportunity to do?
In an ideal world where you had time to do volunteer work and you could take your pick of any kind, what nature of volunteer work would you do? In some respects I’m asking the question to get at an answer to this: What would you do for free? Better yet, what would you practically pay to do? That’s where you’ll find your truest present passion.
Anything else pertaining to this subject matter that you’d like to add?
That was it!
This is so easy and so helpful! We have a staff meeting and I’m going to implement it tomorrow. Thanks so much! XO
Thank you Beth! Your simple wording invites response.
Oh Beth, your heart for others and most of all for Jesus and His Kingdom work, just warms my heart. Can I say thank you for caring for the hearts of others?! I know every woman who has been through your bible studies, “feel” this love you have and would LOVE to work with you and those who work with you too! God bless you deeply for how you bring Him into every aspect of your life, work, and care for Others and most of all to Jesus! I loved this! Hugs ♥
Your servant leader heart for God is such a blessing to all of us who choose to come under your leadership and teaching. God Bless you and the entire LPM team. The work you do to encourage us is priceless. Appreciate it more than words can express!
Thank you for sharing this. I believe we all could benefit from this questionnaire. I think we could ask many of these questions of ourselves in our walk with the Lord. What is it that we would “pay to do” as part of God’s kingdom? Yes, those things are most likely what God is calling us to do. Then, we ask ourselves….WHY aren’t we doing it? Is it fear, it is feeling unworthy or unequipped? That is what satan wants…..all those feelings but Jesus equips us, we are ALL worthy in the only one who matters eyes. Courage is what we do in SPITE of the fear……..He will be there each step of the way. I am taking this “quiz” myself and sharing with others. God bless you and your ministry!
Beth,
One of the many things I love about you is your willingness to share ideas, resources, strategies for ministry that would help others while advancing the Kingdom. After many decades of study under your teaching, you have remained true to champion others in any way possible.
I returned three days ago from a trip with a World Vision team to Honduras where we had the privilege of entering the homes and lives of many people we serve. What was consistent was that where there is extreme poverty, there is no hoarding, quite the opposite in fact. When you have been given much you want to share and celebrate the success of others which in turn motivates them to invest in others. It’s really quite beautiful. A tad bit different than Western Christianity
That said, thank you always for sharing and being generous with all that God has given you.
Much love,
Kath
Beth, I am the moderator of a small group of Presbyterian Women in Northeast Georgia. As we grapple with so many issues in the church and the aging of the ladies, I am going to use some of this for our group retreat in January. we have to plan out the year, find volunteers and create opportunities. sometimes just keeping focus on Christ is a challenge, never mind all the rest.
I think this allows for freedom of thoughts and expression.
Thank you. Judy Grieve
Very encouraging and fulfilling words herein. God bless you all in this Ministry.
Would be pleased to start and continue learning more from you and other brethren out there.
MAY OUR LORD GRANT YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR 2018 VISION.
AMEN.
I work on a church staff. We had a consultant come in and as a part of his work had us fill out something very similar. We were given instructions very similar to yours. So we filled them out hopeful for a voice. We turned them in and never heard a word about them again. Nothing was talked about, nothing was acted on, nothing changed. We were left with the feeling of why bother to dream of vision. It was demoralizing to the staff when it could have been just what I see in your staff. I urge you to continue to talk it out with them. God can use the group in mighty ways when you look at gifts He gives and dream together in support of one another.
A similar incident happened at my church with our United Methodist Women’s groups (also known as Circles). It didn’t take an outside consultant to realize the Circles were rapidly dwindling due to lack of interest. A survey was sent last spring to all members asking what we thought needed to be done. I had several concerns which I shared, including lack of communication and the numerous errors in the member booklet. Nothing was ever heard about the results of the survey. I asked the UMW director but she hadn’t gotten around to reading them yet.
It’s amazing to me how something narrow in focus can still be encouraging to someone who doesn’t necessarily benefit from it. Maybe that didn’t make sense. lol. But anyway, I am not part of a team or group to use this, but having worked a job once where I wasn’t heard, I’m encouraged by the model of a leader having the humility to want to learn from those on her team. (High five from me!)
It is amazing that the mentorship your doing works well
It is actually how most Christian Organization does it
It is your openness to others that brought you success. God Bless you more on your endeavors sister Beth
I absolutely love this! I think we all need to be reminded of our passions. Where have we been, where are we going – and why . . . I also think that we desire to be a part of a team where each member is heard and valued and respected. As part of that team, we also need to respect the leadership. By knowing one another on a personal level it also develops trust. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hello! I have called into LPL for prayer over the past 7 years and I wanted to update you all! I am getting MARRIED on November 11! What a journey! After a surprising and painful divorce in 2011 after the birth of a child we’d longed for and prayed about for over 14 years of marriage, I found myself alone with a 9 month old baby. At the age of 39, I found myself looking back over a life that was suddenly not at all what I’d expected. I was saved at 8 years old. I started walking with Jesus when I was 39 and oh, what a journey we have been on over the past 6 years. I started as a working mom, living with my parents and trying to squeeze out enough time to go to an evening Bible Study of Esther by Beth. I wasn’t a star pupil. I was devastated and tired and sad and tired. But something in that study grabbed my heart. I learned then, if God knows everything before we do it and before we say it, why do we need to pray? Because he wants us to talk to him. This truth clicked in my head with a loud bang…and we started talking. Well mostly, I cried and sobbed and yelled….and he listened. When I started into my next few Bible Studies and started getting into the word….he started responding. I now have a 7 year old boy and over the last year a Godly man who LOVES THE LORD WITH ALL HIS HEART. Oh, what a story we have. Just like you’ve longed to sit down with us, Beth and talk over coffee, I long to sit down with you and share the amazing journey we have been on….together. Your studies as well as Priscilla Shirer’s and Kelly Minter’s have been paramount in me getting to know my Savior and Lord in a most intimate way. I am now a small group Bible study teacher each Thursday. We are finishing up The Armor of God and are going to be starting The Quest next! I am marrying my Godly man, Jared, on Saturday, November 11. We are headed from Missouri to Houston, TX the week after to volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse in Pearland, TX for 4 days for our honeymoon. It’s our first time volunteering and we are BEYOND excited about what the Lord is going to do with us there. It’s going to be epic. I wanted to share some GOOD NEWS with you and your team. I am praising Him for you and your studies. I am praising Him for His truth and faithfulness and I am praying for you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What you are doing is making a difference in so many lives. In Christ, Tara Stuart (soon to be Adkins!)
Hi Tara! Thank you so much for sharing! I will be sure to pass this encouragement on to the LPM team. Praying the Lord’s richest blessings on you in this next season!
Phillis White from Shelby, NC
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 NIV
Lena-Ohio
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. Hebrews 11:35-36 NIV
Amy Carter, Charleston, S.C. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait on You. Psalm 25:21 NKJV
Stephanie Morris-Clark, Norman Ok
“keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21 NKJ
Dear Beth, this has nothing to do with the blog. It is about session 4 of entrusted. I appreciate your openness very much. My question is this, I wanted to know more about how you conquered this season of your life. Not about what happened in your childhood. I am very sorry that you had to go through this. Have you done a book or study about spiritual warfare? Thank you so much. I deeply respect you and I have been enjoying this study tremendously. I plan to give you a blessing list about it soon!
Judy Pauley, Norfolk, Va.
Psalms 145:4,5 NIV
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty- and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Lake City FL “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.” Micah 7:18 NLT
Susie McNeely Russellville AR
24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Lori Smith Little Rock Ar
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Ellie Gosnell, Lady Lake, FL
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.
Isaiah 55:8 NIV
Glenda Willard from Farmington, NM
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5 (NIV)
Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
Colossians 3:12 HCSB
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NRSV)
Lisa H Ft Georgetown TX
Serve with a good attitude as to the Lord and not to men
Ephesians 6:7 HCSB
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Shannon Vasquez from Littleton, CO:
For I hold you by your right hand– I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’
~Isaiah 41:13, NLT
Connie Harper Tyler, TX The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom;And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 ESV
Susan Jezek, St. Petersburg, Florida
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
Jackie Reeves, Buchanan, Georgia
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 14-16 (ESV)
Heather Smith
Nashville, TN
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
– Romans 12:21 (NLT)
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12: 2 NIV
Sharon Mills
Henderson, Nv.
Psalm 91:4 NIV “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Marsha R. Columbia SC
Who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes a reproach against his friend;
Psalm 15:3 ESV
For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who HOPE in the Lord will inherit the land.
Psalms 37:9 NIV
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Holly,Michigan
Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Hi Beth,
I would like to know how to become employed at Living Proof
Ministries. I am a writer and interested in spreading
God’s word. You are my mentor, and I love your books.
I live in Lexington, S.C. and would love to re-locate.
I read your article today about abuse and as a women
who was abused as a child and again as an adult I know how
hard it is to get over it and learn to forgive. Both of my
abusers have passed away now but it has not kept me
from the fear of getting too close to someone again.
I pray for those women out there who have experienced this
and for those who may be in harms way now. Reach out
and tell someone, pray to God for help and trust him
to lead you down the right path. He loves you and will
never leave you.