The overall focus of this book is a guide for a pastor to begin a new ministry with a plan for the first 180 days. Stone recognized that churches move much more slowly than businesses and doing a 6-month plan is wiser than just 90 days. Businesses can implement plans much faster because they are producing a product or providing a service. Churches engage and develop people and the people are the church’s “product.” It operates in a specific culture and geographical environment that impacts its strategy. This is why a ministry-focused book like this is more adaptable than one written for the business environment like Neff & Citrin’s You’re In Charge, Now What?
Stone provides extra resources online that could be adapted by anyone beginning a ministry. His plans are quite detailed and involved as described in the book, but a new pastor could adapt them to his situation with intentionality as he onboards and provide some tools to use the content more easily. This book could also be used by those in ministry who are not the senior pastor. Most ministers leading a particular ministry could use it in their area onboarding into a new ministry position. I think any minister who would like to do an imaginary start over for a renewal in their present place of service could adapt its’ plans, even though that is not the “first audience” of the book.
Stone emphasized the importance of all the “firsts” in a minister’s new place of work and how they will create an impression, good or bad, in the minds of the people that will impact their ability to succeed. People who come under the leadership of a new pastor they do not know may have a fear of the unknown. The pastor’s ability to listen, observe, and learn in the early days will build trust and allay those fears.
Stone rightly recognized that leading the church staff team is perhaps the most important responsibility he faces in the early days. As a church staff member of several churches, I can attest to the anxiety that occurs with the introduction of a new senior pastor. His attitude, style, priorities, and much more will impact how well those on his team will react and respond. He also reminded leaders to not focus on the “squawkers and naysayers.” These people are in every church and can waste a leader’s time who instead should focus on those who can make a positive difference and help create “wins” in the early days of ministry.
The advice to celebrate early wins is solid. Church leadership and members often go through the calendar year almost by rote if they have been there a long time. Stopping to celebrate is a way that gives a sense of accomplishment and helps the newcomer pastor earn some ministry credibility. It also provides a chance for the new pastor to thank the church for their role in whatever “win” is being celebrated. People want to be noticed so this inclusion is a plus for the entire church, not just the pastor. He reminded that it is not necessary or likely that a new pastor can create a big “win” early on, but to focus on goals that show progress but are not out of reach. If you are beginning a new ministry position, it is worth the read.
I smiled when Stone gave a simple list of basic good advice to the new pastor. Observing these tips like avoiding edgy humor, adhering to a dress code already in place, or being prompt for meetings are useful. The advice to not speak ill of your previous boss or place of ministry and not talking too much about yourself or previous experience is also golden.
You can get a copy here
