Paul Clark

Is it time to build? Some important questions...

2009-11-16T05:52:00-05:00

In early 2008, we made the decision to move forward with an $8M construction project even as the signs of recession were popping up everywhere. Reports of other churches delaying or canceling plans for expansion were easy to find. We concluded that we should move ahead carefully, yet confidently. Why? What questions did we wrestle through that led us to conclude that moving forward was the right decision? Below are 10 questions to help you galvanize the issues that are important in balancing the uncertainties of the economy with the need for building expansion:

Is the vision for the project clearly understood and can it be clearly articulated in the context of church mission? If the vision is not crystal clear in the minds of the staff and leadership and cannot be articulated easily and clearly, then more work needs to be done.
Is the church leadership in favor of moving forward? There must be consensus among the Board--those who will be ambassadors throughout the church community.
Is current giving strong? If giving toward the general budget is not strong, it is difficult to make the case that additional giving will be available to support a capital project.
Has God already shown His favor in some way to indicate a reason to move forward? God often gives us indications of his favor through extraordinary circumstances that can form a basis for trusting him for moving ahead: land or funds that suddenly become available, zoning obstacles that unexpectedly fall in our favor, etc.
Is there some bubbling of support among the church family to move forward? It's often more important to count the "yes" votes than the "no" votes. When significant opinion leaders and other committed laity express their support for moving forward, that can be a good indicator that action will be viewed positively by the congregation at large.
Are costs of construction going to increase at a rate where our ability to afford what we need will be in question? If for example, construction costs are expected to increase 20% over the next year, a $10M project suddenly becomes a $12m project, with no additional scope. That can be a compelling consideration.
Will church momentum be lost if we do not act now? This is an abstract consideration, but an important one. Delay can often take the wind out of the momentum of exciting opportunities to expand our outreach and impact.
Do we expect the economics of the decision to change dramatically in the near future? For instance, if there will be the potential for greater contributions in the future that are not possible today, then delay may be attractive. But if the economics are not likely to change, then what would be the compelling reason to delay?
Are there incremental steps that can be taken which will move the process forward while still allowing points of course correction? There are often significant steps that can be taken which will require incremental commitment, but allow the opportunity for points of reevaluation.
What would life and ministry be like if we do nothing? If ministry will be choked, people discouraged, opportunities lost, then those costs must be carefully weighed. On the other hand, if there are not serious costs to the ministry and mission of the church through delay, then it could be wise to wait until the economic situation becomes more clear.

Time to put on the stripes

2009-11-13T06:42:00-05:00

This week high school basketball in Ohio kicks off with scrimmages and the countdown to opening tipoff is on. This marks my 15th year officiating high school basketball and I have to say I love it as much now as I did as a rookie.

I tried some small college stuff, but the time away from home was too much, and I knew I wasn’t on a track to someday have the Duke-North Carolina game. So I’m happy being in all the local high school gyms, getting to know hundreds of other area ref’s and coaches, and enjoying the excitement that winter Friday nights was made for.

I do it because it’s a great distraction from the pressures of work and ministry.
I do it because it probably helps prepare me for the pressures of work and ministry. Imagine coming out with that charge call and having half the gym start screaming at you. That’s pressure. Sounds like some days in ministry, doesn't it?
I do it because through it I’ve met some awesome people. Nice guys (and ladies), many of which you probably aren’t going to meet any other way.
I do it because I want to have a sphere of influence that goes beyond the church. I hope that’s been the case.
I do it to stay in shape. You have to be fairly fit to run with the caliber of athletes you find in most big schools today.
I do it because it’s in my nature—just like it’s probably in yours’. We lead churches and management teams because we like to lead. We like to make the big call and we like to be in the big moment.

Any fellow ref’s out there? Love to hear from you.

The race isn’t over until it’s over

2009-11-12T05:44:00-05:00

Last in a series of devotionals on Gideon's life...

If you read the end of the story in Judges Ch. 8, you’ll see that Gideon’s victory was so huge that the people wanted to make him King. Wisely, he declined. But for some strange reason, he asked them to show their appreciation for his leadership by giving him a portion of the gold they had taken from the Midianites.

I don’t think that was something he heard from God. In fact, I think Gideon ends his own story making the same mistake as the rest of Israel-- doing what seemed right in his own eyes. Instead of leveraging his position, his credibility, his leadership, to perhaps tear down the rest of the Baal altars, do away with the Asherah groves, or lead the people back to genuine worship of God, he gave them a golden image that they turned into an idol. Just another image they could substitute for the true God.

It leaves me scratching my head. Gideon didn’t finish well. Running well doesn’t mean finishing well. The race isn’t over until its over. The epilogue in Gideon’s life is a hard reminder that what we do at the end is just as important as what we do in the middle. So whatever stage of life we’re in or whatever activity we’re involved in, there’s still the opportunity and the challenge for us to finish well.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

So cool to be in ministry with my son

2009-11-11T05:09:00-05:00

Every day I get the privilege of working with my own son, Jeff, in carrying out the ministry of Fairhaven Church. Jeff’s our Director of HelloMedia, our media department. Jeff’s a graduate of Cedarville University with a B.A. in Electronic Media and he started managing our website as a senior in college. When he graduated we snatched him up because he’s incredibly gifted. He can not only program a complex website, but he’s a great graphic designer in his own right.

I’ve watched him grow over the last couple of years as he’s taken on more responsibility managing a staff and budget, working with internal and external customers, implementing processes and procedures, and keeping the media team focused on relevant, quality products that further the mission of the church. He’s an awesome young man who loves God and is growing in his faith. And I love that fact that I can go to staff meeting and see my favorite middle son.

Isn’t it great when life and ministry come together; when your passion for your work and your love for your family overlap? God is good.

Right Person, Wrong Position

2009-11-10T05:59:00-05:00

In the Nov/Dec edition of Your Church magazine, I have a piece about the challenges of transitioning a staff member from the staff because of failure to meet performance goals. It's a tough situation to manage. I hope you'll check it out either in the magazine or on the digital version on the website (p.46). Be sure to mark the Your Church website and YourChurchblog in your favorites--they do a great job staying on the leading edge of the issues we are facing each day!

Read the article here...