Discuss with Other Leaders
Training Yourself and Your Leaders
Whenever our church conducts training events for small-group leaders, only a low percentage of them actually show up. How can we fix this?
Total Reader Responses: 7 (see below)
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Increased communication of information and expectation is huge, but also, the way in which we communicate is crucial. Are the trainings a requirement or a hoop to jump through? Or are they an opportunity for fellowship with other leaders and important growth? Using particular language and an attitude of enthusiasm has the potential to change the perception and culture of leadership training.
We organise coaching sessions called mentoRing. Clear purpose and goals are set out for these sessions. Timeline of events are also laid out. In our case once a quarter (you may want to have bi monthly or half-yearly)... Leaders are connected and resourced in between these sessions in one-on-one meetings, or smaller groups. Training should also be need-based.
As a small church growing, 25-30 members. What answers would you give in order that we begin to really grow in numbers. We have been in existance for 3-1/2 years, we're in a inner city setting with low income families who mostly work weekend hours. its hard for everyone to be in attendance every wednesday and sunday, due to their jobs. what advise would you give to expand our ministry.
Certainly communication and things like childcare and food can help but I also found that less large group/classroom training in this busy culture of ours helps too. How about two trainings a year where you call the leaders to the church, like September and January and then use other things inbetween, like on line training, newsletters, CD's and coaches huddles in someones living room when you only have to co-ordinate 5 people's schedules instead of all the leaders in your ministry. The other thing worth mentioning is to be careful that your large group/classroom trainining is worth coming to. Don't simply read out of a manual or off the power point, be sure to have lots of interactive things planned and information and discussions they couldn't get elsewhere and would miss out on if they didn't come. In other words, if you're going to bring the leaders togther, make it really really beneficial! Remind them it's critical for them to be connected to your churches vision in this way too.
I think John has a point on the communication thing, I would call all of your leaders individually and tell them about the meeting and get some feedback from them on whether or not they will be attending, then I would send them a follow-up email reminding them of the meeting. Maybe there are obstacles in the way of your leaders attending. Try providing your leaders with a meal and child care during your meeting. This can become an appreciation dinner as well as a training session.
