It Takes a Long Time - Article from Man in the Mirror magazine

Here is the text of an article I wrote for the Equipping the Man in the Mirror magazine (about to change its name from The Fourth Seed.) Read about how many of the 14 objectives we had set 3 years ago in our last planning process we actually accomplished. Hint: think about a batting average that might get you sent back to the minors.


It Takes a Looong Time…

We just started a strategic planning process for our ministry to men at church. We’re meeting once a month for three months to set our strategy to disciple every man. My pastor and two other staff pastors are participating, along with several laymen, some of them new to leadership in our ministry to men. We’re going through No Man Left Behind together and doing some work in between planning sessions. At the end of the three sessions we’ll decide how to move forward.

Three pastors, five lay leaders, a solid strategic planning tool, commitment from the participants. Doesn’t it sound awesome? So why am I not jumping out of my skin with excitement?

Because as I was preparing for these meetings I went through my files from our leadership team meetings in 2005. I found our quarter-by-quarter goals and objectives, which included finalizing our Vision, Mission & Values, a training we would attend together, a book to read, and other items – 14 in all. Of which, we accomplished three. (Two and a half, actually, but rounding up makes me feel better.)

It would be easy to look at something like that and think, “This is too hard.” “What’s the use?” “Why didn’t those guys care as much as I do?” Or, “What a lousy leader I am!” And, to be honest, all of those thoughts ran through my head. But then I remembered – it takes a long time to make a disciple. And, even longer to build a sustainable ministry to men.
Our culture celebrates, even demands, quick success. Richard Foster once said, “Our tendency is to overestimate what we can accomplish in one year, but underestimate what we can accomplish in ten years.”

Ministry with men often doesn’t look successful in the present. Usually, it only looks successful in retrospect. So keep the faith; keep striving. And one day, maybe eight or ten years from now, you’ll look around your church at the men that are leading ministries, serving as elders and deacons, and teaching classes, and you’ll say, “Hey. We discipled that guy. And that guy. And that guy too!”

So I’m choosing to be encouraged that we achieved three out of 14 objectives – precisely the three that God knew would provide the foundation for what’s happening now. I know we’ll set goals and objectives for 2008, and then accomplish some, but not all. But I also passionately believe that in the years to come God will use our efforts for His Glory.

With you for the long-term,
Brett Clemmer

CALLOUT: Men’s ministry usually doesn’t look successful in the present. Often, it only looks successful in retrospect.

With Brett’s bio:
Follow along with Brett his team by visiting wcironmen.blogspot.com.