Michael Hyatt wrote three posts on how to get your boss to say “yes” in the marketplace (see links in footnote). These posts have been successful for him and helpful to many. I wanted to take these concepts, and some of my own thoughts, and write a couple of posts as well. Before sharing my thoughts, let me say that this is not intended as a way of manipulating elders to do the solicitor’s will. That is not my intention, but rather to help the deacon, preacher, or ministry leader to know better how to make the presentation and things to consider in asking a group of elders to approve a project.
7 Steps to Getting Your Church Elders to Say “Yes.”
Step 1: Keep the overall good and goals of the church as the priority.
Godly shepherds are primarily concerned about the church. They want the church to grow in spiritual strength and physical number. They want current needs to be addressed. Elders are not interested in seeing the preacher expand his popularity in the greater brotherhood. They are not keen on a deacon’s latest hobby-horse he picked up while visiting another church. They want to know what will help their congregation. The project needs to be focused on the local congregation. Even when it is a mission proposal or humanitarian effort in another place, the proposal must still consider the goals and desires of the local congregation.
The key pitfall to avoid is personal arrogance and a self-serving spirit. Elders can spot a program that benefits the requestor, yet has no real merit or benefit to the local congregation in fulfilling their God-given directives. Make sure the good of the church is always considered and desired by all parities.
Step 2: Don’t Wear Out Your Welcome
If you want to get a “yes” don’t go to the well too many times. Ministers with a congregation need to learn to prioritize their work and focus. A shotgun approach can at times be effective, but most of the time a rifle will have more of an impact. It is key to finish your projects and see them through. The point is simple: Don’t ask too often.
For example if you are a missionary being supported by a church, there will be times when you have special needs for the work. Let’s say you need extra funds to purchase some radio airtime or need a down payment on a facility. Most elders are generous and understand the occurrence of special needs. But there are only so many times you can go to the well!
So whether it be a raise, a new computer, or proposing a new ministry for the church, the less you ask the more likely you are to receive it! Elders are inundated with worthy requests, so they have a natural desire to spread their resources. Let them know you only ask when you have an important reason, understanding there are many other worthy programs.
Step 3: Prepare Thoroughly and Have it in Writing
We had only been married for two years and were planning to go to the mission field of Asuncion, Paraguay with a team of six others. We were going to be trained by the Continent of Great Cities Ministry. We needed to raise our salary and work fund. The experienced missionaries at Continent gave us lots of information. We put together a packet that included our financial needs, mission plans, and personal information. We gained a meeting with the North Jackson Church of Christ elders. They had all of our information and were aware of our plans. We made the proposal and asked for all the support they could give including oversight of the work. They chose to support us completely.
That was a great blessing for us at the time involving many factors. But one of the key factors in those elders saying “yes” was the thorough preparation and a written document. I learned a needed lesson in dealing with elders. Always be prepared when you are making a pitch. For my 10+ years at Seven Oaks, I have made many proposals to our elders. I will always try to do thorough research, prepare the information in writing, and share the intended outcomes of the proposal.
Let’s be honest, elders are busy people who have a lot of responsibility. They are trusting the preacher, missionary, deacon, or ministry leader to do their homework. They expect you to know more about it than them. If you are going to lead it, then you need to be prepared.
In the next post, we will continue our list of steps to get your elders to say “yes.” Do you have any thoughts or ideas to add to this post?
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Links to Michael Hyatt Posts
