February 2009

Leadership Essentials: Getting Vision Buy-in

: Dave Ping, author and EMI Executive Director

Interview with Dave Ping, co-author of Quick-to-Listen Leaders and executive director of Equipping Ministries International

Dave, you have been dialoging with leaders and pastors all across the country since you co-authored Quick-to-Listen Leaders: where life-changing ministry begins (QLL). What have you been hearing?

Almost every pastor and church ministry struggles with having a clear vision. Leaders today face the challenge of listening to God and listening to their people. I wrote this book to help leaders discern God's vision and get their people's buy-in for the vision.

This is especially critical during uncertain times now faced by our nation and world. The silver lining about what's going on right now is that churches are forced to sharpen their focus. QLL will help churches figure out what is most important and put their energy into those things instead of wasting energy on what is not going to produce results.

What is the central message of QLL, and why is it important for leaders to understand this message?

The central point I make in QLL is that the number one job for every effective leader is to be a good listener. This hasn't changed since the first century.

James, the brother of Jesus, inherited and led the Jerusalem church for a good portion of the first century. One of the first things he told all the leaders was: Pay attention! Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) Listening has always been a key ingredient for effective church leadership.

The number one comment I get from leaders I talked to, when they get down to it, is "I'm a talker and not a listener. If people want someone to listen to them, they should probably go see a counselor."

Now interestingly enough, as we dialog further, I find that most of these leaders are desperately wanting the things that only listening will give them. Many people have been taught to equate listening with counseling. I want to help leaders realize that listening is a critical part of leadership. If you learn how to listen, then you are set up to lead far more effectively.

How is the QLL book different from the consultation workshop you do in churches?

The book is a stand-alone and meant to be read by leaders at every level. Anyone who leads anything, whether a small group, a division of the ministry, a Sunday school class, up to the senior pastor will find something valuable in the book. The book includes key points from two of EMI's foundational trainings, Listening for Heaven's Sake and Speaking the Truth in Love.

The workshop is an opportunity for the leaders and the leadership team of the church to go through first a process of listening to God and discerning his vision for the church. We then assess where the church is right now. I have created the Spiritual Vital Signs Inventory specifically to help the church do this. It is a quick way to get a sense of the overall health of a congregation. Once we go through that, we examine the different listening styles and leadership styles of the team. And finally, given those listening and leadership styles, how the organization can operate more effectively.

The workshop is customized specifically for each organization and leadership team. I've done it in lots of churches all over the U.S. as well as in other nations, and no two have been exactly the same. My experience has been that once a team has had an opportunity to step back and agree on what the strengths and weaknesses of their church or organization are, they are able to very quickly say, "Here's where we need to go next."

What kind of results have you seen coming out of these consultation workshops?

One of the biggest things that happens is BUY-IN. The pastor-leader presents the vision and plan, and most people are very happy to sit back and let the pastor work himself or herself to death to make it happen. A quick-to-listen leader gets commitment and buy-in.

Another big thing that comes out of this process is a new attitude toward conflict. Most leaders are scared to death of conflict. One thing I try to show the leaders is how listening will help him/her make conflict a friend instead of an adversary.

As a result of going through the consulting workshop, many churches realize that they've been working on the wrong things and have made very positive mid-course corrections.

I remember one pastor coming to me after taking the QLL class at an EMI LIFE seminar and said, "I'm in trouble." After listening to his situation, we agreed that he was indeed in big trouble. In fact, he found out after returning home that there was a move in the church to fire him. As he went through this difficult time, he was able to get his whole leadership team aligned and going in one direction. Even though he eventually left that post, the church became dramatically healthier as a result of what he did on his way out.

My heart is to see churches vibrantly live out God's vision and calling for them.

Contact Pam Ping for details about a customized workshop for your leadership team. Call 513-742-1100 or 800-364-4769.

COUPLES I: Pathway to greater trust and understanding

: EMI's Couples seminar is designed to ignite hope and joy!

If there were ever a place where skills need to be obtained and practiced, it's in marriage. There are many options out there for marriage ministry leaders and for couples preparing to celebrate Valentines Day. Most of them are beautiful but fleeting experiences from which you leave inspired and even enamored, but without any tools to assist you when your marriage is not working.

This year, why not invest a little effort in a really fun course that helps you obtain and sharpen relationship tools that will return years of joy, understanding, and acceptance to your marriage by attending EMI's Caring Couples course.

Married and engaged couples can improve intimacy, overcome barriers that produce misunderstanding, and minister to each other's needs by taking Caring Couples I on February 13-14. Come with your loved one or give as a wedding gift to bless a special couple. (Personalized gift certificates available upon request.)

To register for this class, click here.

Call EMI at 1-800-364-4769 to find out how you can bring EMI courses to your church.

Equip Your Team for Effective Ministry

EMI is available to help with your training and equipping needs. Now is the time to order materials if you are planning to train in any of our courses in your church or organization:

Core Relationship Series
Listening for Heaven's Sake, Speaking the Truth in Love, Renewing the Mind

Advanced Relationship Series
Embracing God's Grace, Freeing the Family, Caring Couples

Leadership Series
Quick-to-Listen Leaders, Confronting Conflict, Guiding Life Changing Small Groups

Outreach Series
Irresistible Evangelism, Outflow

Not sure if you're ready to provide your own training? Consider sending a group to the March Life Seminar March 13-14. Meet people from around the world who gather to experience the joy of healthy relationships. Or have EMI come to your church or organization to do an onsite training. We are here to be a resource that best serves your needs.

For more details call EMI at 513-742-1100 or 800-364-4769.

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February Specials:

Quick-to-Listen Leaders

Back in print by popular demand!

Transform your church by learning the powerful art of 'listening with the mind of Christ.' This no-nonsense book will help you evaluate and improve the health of your church, team, or small group. Great for your entire leadership team.

February Special: $12.99 (28% off retail $17.99).

Order online now

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$50 off booking fee for any church consultation booked this month.

Call 513-742-1100 or 1-800-EMI-GROW (364-4769).

Be sure to mention this special promotion when you call.

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Donate To EMI

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International Updates

Kenya

Pastor Martin O. (ISOS graduate 2008) began Butere International School of Service. He already translated four EMI training classes into Swahili and is praying for funds to purchase a computer and copier to print the training material.

He sent this update to EMI:

"I felt sick of Malaria and Typhoid that led me to be out of ministry for a week. . . In the whole month of November I started team building and dissemination of EMI with the help of God. I was able to mobilize and reach 80 different churches that received me, accepted the teaching and helped me to establish 12 centres for training."

India

Pastor Vijayan C. (ISOS graduate 2007) currently leads the organization "Torch Bearers Fellowship." This past year he conducted more than 120 seminars and equipped 6000 pastors and laymen for ministry throughout India.

Here's his recent update:

"You always have been a source of inspiration whenever I was discouraged and disheartened due to problems and heartaches we face from the hardcore Hindu activitists who are always arch rivals to stop God's work in India. Many times in the year, I was discouraged when there was no money to feed our orphan children, no money to pay salary to our workers, and even no money to pay our house rent. Thank Lord that He has met at the appropriate time many times through prayer and often by your support. With grateful heart I would like to say big "thanks to all of you."

More about EMI's ISOS graduates

Support EMI's international ministry.

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