The Four Helpfuls
If you’re in a church-based ministry, you know that Sunday is always coming. In fact, it can be hard to see beyond the Sunday-to-Sunday grind and the tyranny of the urgent that comes with it. The Sunday Treadmill can wear us down and prevent us from gaining helpful perspective.
The “Four Helpfuls” tool gives you and your team a moment to reflect on your North Star (the Great Commission: more and better disciples) and how to align around what matters most. This tool is similar to SWOT but with a bent towards action.
Things that are right, we want to amplify. Opportunities whisper at us and problems shout.
Things that are wrong, we want to fix. Inward-looking processes can easily overlook a guest’s fears, concerns, or experience.
Things that are missing, we want to add. Do you have capacity in seats, parking, and kids space?
Things that are confused, we want to clarify. If it is confused, your guests and congregations will feel it.
The “Four Helpfuls” tool unlocks breakthrough by giving you perspective beyond your Sunday-to-Sunday rhythm. Take 20-60 minutes to discuss your weekend experience, your discipleship pathway, or single departments, programs, or events. You can even use this to build up staff during one-on-ones. Let this language and practice become a part of your team culture — and your team will become more thoughtful, more effective, and more aligned around their shared mission!
Try this:
Gather your staff or leadership team to get some fresh eyes on your Weekend Experience/Service. Invite them to see your service through the eyes of a first time guest - and remind your team of your Weekend Win (what’s the goal?).
Allow your team to populate any content in the first four columns (What’s right? What’s wrong? What’s missing? What’s confused?).
After your team has reflected on these questions, see if they what trends or core issues begin to emerge from your evaluation. Note those in the fifth column.
Don’t forget that this exercise is designed to move us towards action. Let the imperatives that go along with each question (amplify, fix, clarify, add) move your team towards action. Agree together on the 2-3 most impactful next steps for your team; assign a point leader and a follow-up date.
I know that new tools can feel intimidating at first. I’m here for you! Reach out (brett.sanner@intentionalchurches.com) or schedule a free Zoom call. I’d be so happy to set you and your team up for a win (no strings attached).
