We place a high value on programs. We focus a lot of our energy on church programs, camps, retreats, worship services, and many other things that keep us occupied at church. While these things aren’t bad things, they can become bad if they become our focus. We could even place too much emphasis on the purpose behind the program instead of focusing on the people who will be involved in the programs.

There are many reasons for this (which would be another blog post). I think part of it is because we think we can measure the success of a program. An investment in people is very difficult to measure at the present time, but it is an investment that will make a difference. So, here are four tips to focus on people and not programs.

Say hi to everyone. I remember walking across campus in college like a man on a mission. I had work to do. I needed to get to class. I had lousy food to eat before going to my 35 hour a week job while studying to graduate in three years. I was focused. But I missed a lot. I missed one of the main things in college: friendships. Sure, I made friends, but not as many as I could have if I would have just said hi to a few more people.

Sometimes, in ministry now, I have to purposely greet people and take time to get to know them. It is easy to get so bogged down with planning and running programs or events that we don’t say hi to people. Take some time today to stop and greet people you probably see all the time but never have really had the chance to get to know.

Value everyone’s input. If someone gives you a bad idea, does that make them a bad person? I don’t think so. But I act that way sometimes. I have to think more about how that person will react to my reaction than I think about their idea. Their input is important because they are important. I must learn that and apply it if I am to focus on people more than on programs.

Spend time outside the office/church. Some of the best ministry opportunities take place outside of the office or church. Sometimes, I must remember that people are people. Not everyone enjoys planning and putting together events and activities. I can focus on people if I get out of my office where people are, even if it is to plan. When I sit in a cafe (Starbucks is my choice), I have the chance to remember why I’m planning the ministry activities I’m planning. Get out!

Be spontaneous. Not everything must be planned or programmed. Much of ministry is spontaneous and unplanned. If you’re focusing too much on programs, you will feel that every detail must be perfect. Forget that and do something that isn’t even on your calendar. That will help you focus on the people without being so worried about the details of the program.

What are some things you do to help focus on people and not so much on programs?

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