The following is my final installment of principles church leaders can take away from the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.
- A new facility will increase involvement in the many products that are connected to it. 50,000 pair of eyes each evening see creative advertising on the new Jumbotron. As many new people attend your new facility, the church will see an increase in its sub-ministries such as Children, Youth, Women’s, etc… A good measurement of leadership and performance will be does the sub-ministries grow at the same percentage rate as the worship service since it will serve as a feeder.
- An increase in revenue allows for the needed talent acquisition. With the increase in revenue, there will be many discussions on how best to utilize the resources. As that decision is being made, please remember the only appreciable asset is people. Whether acquiring personnel or ministering to those in need, people is always the best strategic choice.
- Acquiring talent is a skill in itself. If throwing money at people is all that is needed to win a championship, the New York Mets and not the Yankees would be perennial contenders. Many have said it but when choosing a team member look at character, competency, character, and calling. One additional item I look for is capacity. Capacity determines “the size of a person’s brain”, their horsepower, and the amount of output they are capable of. In a future blog, I will discuss the key elements that can expand or limit a person’s capacity.
- Finally, a new facility will have a positive impact on other churches in the area. As the Yankees spend more for players with their increased revenue, it will drive up salaries for the other teams through Free Agency and arbitration comparables. It will also provide them increased assets through revenue sharing. As attendance increases at a new facility, many will determine that the new approach to ministry is not right for them and their family. They will not quit church, but rather will attend somewhere else in the area helping grow that church. Also, the spiritual temperature in the community rises because everyone sees the new construction. The community drives by the new construction on a daily basis and knows that God is changing lives. A rising tide will lift all ships.
These three blogs were written for church leaders who were apprehensive about expanding their facilities. If your church is growing but still struggling in this area, take lessons from sports stadiums and get a picture of what God can do in your ministry. While it will take faith, energy, and strong leadership, the impact it will have on those in your church and those who will soon come to your church will be felt for eternity.