Since the start of September we have been considering the principle of having Key Indicators of Good Practice to guide our thinking in planning a ministry among the Poor or to use as a plumbline against which we can monitor how we are performing. This is part of the desire of the Task Team of the Newfrontiers family of churches to help churches worldwide to pursue excellence in all they do and thus bring glory to God while uplifting those who are in some way disadvantaged.
For reasons of combining Indicators with similar qualities in one blog I have handled these in a slightly different order from the one I originally presented. To aid you with referencing this body of material I have listed below the particular dates on which each of the Indicators was described.
By using these 20 Key Indicators to help give definition to expectations and the ‘how-tos’ of ministry the standards of ministry may be raised. They also serve as a valuable check-list in assessing the effectiveness of the outcomes. Many require more in-depth consideration than is possible here. However, they they do provide initial pointers to help those responsible for defining, overseeing or leading ministries to think through many of the issues that will be encountered or which should be considered to maximise the benefits which can be expected.
This body of material is being developed within the Newfrontiers family of churches but may be used freely without special permission. However, acknowledgment of the source would be appreciated.
Administration comes next
We shall return to the topic of ministry embracing the Poor in due course and drill deeper with some of the skills. However, over the next few weeks I shall return to Administration and begin to handle some aspects of what it means to be a good Administrator in the church or other Christian context, and the place of Biblical Administration.
Key Indicators were described on the following dates within this blog
September
8th
Apostolically Endorsed
Local Church Eldership oversight
11th
Hearing God
Vision to be clear
Gospel impact
15th
Kingdom Extension to be intentional
Individuals changed from poverty to active mission
Biblical principles to be clearly defined
21st
Project Cycle Management
25th
Handling Finance
29th
Mature Leadership
Responding to gifting/passion
October
2nd
Pastoral Support
Training
11th
Impact
Partnering/Networking
16th
Local Community Ownership
Using God-given resources
19th
Sustainability
Scaling up and Multiplication
Conclusion