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Recently someone had a good idea. They pitched it to me and I said "good idea, I'll see that it gets done." Problem - it didn't fit my passion or focus. Therefore it wasn't carried through to completion. May I also add that the idea the person had apparently didn't strike a chord with those for whom it was intended because it wasn't received well at all.
What do you do when asked to do something that you aren't passionate about or isn't in your scope of focus?
Looking back I should have responded, "Great idea. Why don't you do it and if you need to be reimbursed for the materials please give me a receipt." This person would have had the joy of seeing a ministry project through to completion and it was an obvious passion she had or she would not have brought it up. And the project wouldn't still be sitting on my desk. :0
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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| I would agree with you that if someone asks to do something then they should be willing to lead it because they view it as important and have a passion for it. You can offer help but it's ultimately their ministry opportunity. I would ask that person if they would be willing to lead what they want to do and go from there. Explain to them your situation. God Bless, Josh 
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There are going to be plenty of times we need to do what we are not passionate about. Christ called us to be servants... not just in the areas we feel we are passionate about. He called his discipels to wash one anothers feet... definitely not something they were passionate about.
At the same time, if this is something that this other person is passionate about, feel free to delegate it... just like the apostles did in Acts when it came to making sure the widows were being taken care of.
However, all of this is moot if your supervisor (head pastor, board, etc.) gives specific instructions about it. Then you follow the lead of your leader of course.
So in summary...
You are called to serve, so serve
You are free to delegate, so be willing to delegate
You are under your supervisors authority, follow it
Masterpiece in Progress - Building masterpieces one person at a time.
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| I tend to believe if someone comes with a passionate idea, then God must have given them the vision and thus it's theirs to run with. I will help them with resources and support but it still ultimately is theirs to carry out. On occasion, you must do things not totally up your alley or your passion, but I don't believe that every idea someone thinks we should run with that we are obliged to do so. Ideas are constantly thrown our way and I find as soon as you say "what a great idea--run with it," you find that oftentimes that's the end of the discussion on it.
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HMMMM...interesting question. As the minister's wife, I am expected to be passionate about EVERY project we undertake  ....if I am really honest w/ myself, I am really only passionate about kid/youth "stuff" 
BUT, b/c I am always asking for help, donations, time, etc, and I am always trying to make others as passionate as I am....I guess I understand that every new idea needs some TLC and enthusiasm to let it grow.
To that end, I make it clear that I will be a willing and enthusiastic participant in ANY project we undertake as a church, but b/c I am most comfortable in kid related activities, I need some "direction" and "leadership" about my role. This generally gives the person w/ the vision the "ok" to run w/ it and some comfort in knowing they are not alone in whatever they are undertaking. This also allows me NOT to have to be passionate when I am not, but be supportive and involved in projects outside my comfort zone .
I have found, over time, that this has produced real LEADERS within our congregation, who otherwise might not have stepped into the leadership role.
I hope this helped answer what I think you were asking. Blessings! Kimberly
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| Great responses so far. I would add that not every idea is meant to be implemented even if it sounds good. I know of people who always have "an idea". It's either something that they saw working somewhere else or something they believe might make things work better in your church. Either way, what works in one place doesn't necessarily mean it will work in another. God has a specific plan for every individual and every church. However, we can learn from others an implement similar ideas in an effort to build the body of believers. But the most important thing to keep in mind is that ideas can and will work if: 1) They are birth in a heart that seeks to honor God. 2) They align with the Word of God and his purposes. 3) They are taken up to the Lord in prayer for confirmation and 4) They are in agreement with the vision and mission of your church. I have heard many good ideas from both people who are committed to God and the church and from those who are not. In both cases I have asked if they have prayed about it and be willing to lead the project if approved. Some have declined and admitted they have not prayed. Others have responded with a faithful "Yes!" Those are the ones I encourage and help them get the resources needed to carry out the project if approved by the senior Pastor. I personally try not to get involved in implementing any ideas that do not pertain to my ministry. I may suggest things, if asked, but never take it upon myself to do it. I have far too many "good" ideas of my own for the ministry God has given me and with that I have my plate full! 
 
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pastorjoe777 (3/7/2009)
Either way, what works in one place doesn't necessarily mean it will work in another. God has a specific plan for every individual and every church.
Amen to that! 
Masterpiece in Progress - Building masterpieces one person at a time.
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Thanks everyone for the input. Good stuffs. Would love to hear more from some others.
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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| I've learned in my years in ministry that.. 1. People need to be able to express their passions and empowered to serve Christ and His Church. 2. Not every idea works within the vision of the church. 3. Not every individual is capable to lead a ministry on the spot. All need to be trained to minister within the context of the church's personality. Take it for what it's worth... Matt, Forum Moderator
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Matt,
good stuffs. Pertaining to #2 i have found that being part of a church that has a stated purpose and vision it helps keep us on track and when ideas are shared that aren't in line with the direction we are moving.
I've seen #3 in action a few times and it leads to frustration in the person who is put in a leadership spot but not cut out to be a leader.
Thanks
"1. People need to be able to express their passions and empowered to serve Christ and His Church.
2. Not every idea works within the vision of the church.
3. Not every individual is capable to lead a ministry on the spot. All need to be trained to minister within the context of the church's personality."
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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