What do you value? Have you ever done a values assessment? Do you have a particular assessment you would recommend? This morning I took an assessment for personal values from the appendix of Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model for Church and Ministry Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs. My pastor recommended this book and this practice to me as we get ready to launch Follower of One. We need a strategic plan to communicate our vision and enlist partners to join us. So, I consider this great advice.
In the assessment, we consider and rank from 1-4, 19 values and then a 20th is for “Other.” I added a few under Other because this author wrote the book for pastors and church leaders. For example, the author defines the value of Community as the people within driving distance of your church. I guess he meant “your church building.”
I added Individual Initiative. It could come under Creativity or some other area, but I didn’t notice any mention of anything like it. I definitely Individual Initiative as the desire or passion of individuals to work out their salvation without asking permission.
Do you ever have an idea for serving people and you wonder if you have to get some approval? Well, I’m not going to give it to you either. If your idea can pass the tests of Philippians 4:8-9 and Galatians 5:22-23, then, why not try it.
I’m sure there are some other tests in scripture. Your idea must be lawful, submissive to the authorities, both at your work or church and in your government. What other tests do you find in scripture?
Do you often catch yourself looking for someone to bless your activity? I do. What action came to mind while you were reading this? Is there any way you can execute on the idea, today? What’s stopping you?
And if you’d like to help with strategic planning for Follower of One, drop me a line by commenting on this post or use the Contact form. We’re moving ahead, but would you pray for us and lend your eyes and ideas to helping? Thanks in advance!