This post is a continuation of my previously published page: Part I of planning women’s prayer breakfasts. The original post was getting a little long. So, I’ve broken it up a bit. I hope it helps!
I encourage you to have a solid goal for planning your women’s prayer breakfast. Just throwing together an event with no objective/goal is a missed opportunity.
For example, if networking is the goal, then discuss what you can do to help participants talk to one another during t the event. It could be conversation-starters on the table or even run-of-the-mill icebreakers. Whatever the goal, plan for it. Think it through. Create strategies to get you there.
Table of Contents
If it’s only you planning women’s prayer breakfasts
If you are the only one on your “team”, reach out to people you know on Facebook, Twitter, or even email contacts to ask for ideas. Tell them you are soliciting opinions and your buddies may offer some great tips, ideas, and things to consider. Who knows, someone might even step up to help you.
Let’s talk about planning a bit more.
As the leader of the ministry, consider not only the end result but also the elements of the planning process.
You want your team to feel comfortable and vested. If they are, they will get more done. Besides efficiency, you care about them and want them to enjoy the planning as much as possible, right?
So, as you are laser-focused on the results (the project), consider the interactions that occur during the planning process.
Keep the meeting tone light, on-point, and expeditious.
Don’t forget to make good use of everyone’s time. Start on time. Always.
Always allow each one to share something great that happened since you last met. This builds a sense of connection and team cohesion. Sort of like an icebreaker.
This part really is important…
Don’t think for one minute that the work process (how they get the work done) is not frivolous. People work better with folks they care about and enjoy being around. Cultivate this culture on your team.
Comfort cultivates creativity, I think. Help them feel comfortable with one another so they will freely share ideas.
As they share, go out of your way to affirm every single idea! Even if the idea won’t work. Never shut someone down or make them feel invalid.
“Not so great ideas” could be the precursor to extraordinary ideas.
When you get a “clunker”, gently explain why it won’t work as it is.
Explore how you and the group can morph the thought into something that will work.
Be sure to listen. Managing your meetings this way bolsters their relationship with you (and one another). It roots it in respect. Creativity tends to soar in respectful environments. Do you agree?
After each meeting, try to have some level of celebration. It could be something as simple as verbal “kudos” or a special treat (like mini-chocolates for the team). It sounds silly, but it will make the team smile and feel appreciated. It’s also an important part of volunteer management.
PROCESS, RELATIONSHIPS & RESULTS
What I’ve introduced you to is called the leadership triangle.
This model (process, relationship, and results) is adapted from the Facilitative Leadership curriculum. I’m a certified trainer in this research and I love it.
I strongly believe many business processes can [and should] be applied to church functions. It helps us be even more effective in our work as women ministry leaders.
Facilitative Leadership is no different. Hey, they did the research, why shouldn’t we use it for churches? Don’t be afraid to leverage everything the world has designed for good business to make your Kingdom efforts more successful. You may have to adapt a few things, but utilize them all the same!
Visit Women’s Ministry Resources.com – my other blog for more inspiration!
https://womensministryresources.comClick the image below:
Thanks, Nicki! I love planning events and that plan is the “secret sauce” in event planning. Thanks a million for visiting and commenting. 🙂
I think you are spot on when you encourage women to have a plan before people even show up to an event. It’s kind of amazing you have to state that, I mean, you’d think it’s a given. But it’s really not. There are so many events I have attended over the years where they were so random and confusing and they could have been so productive and purposeful. Love your tips!