Lone Ranger Syndrome
by Chris Forbes
Free tips for getting the word out about your church from the Ministry Marketing Coach
Do you look at the wheel and secretly think, “I’d like to take a crack at redesigning that one day. I think I could do a better job” Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I could really get this ministry going if it were not for all these people I have to deal with”. Maybe you have developed the Lone Ranger Syndrome. Too many ministry leaders are trying to do it all on their own, reinventing things that already exist in better form. Some are so into their way of thinking it is hard for them to hear needed church marketing advice.
Don’t try to be a Lone Ranger minister. Learn to get and take advice from others. Gather a mastermind group.
The term “mastermind” may suggest something sinister and scheming at first glance. Yet, the idea of a mastermind group is very biblical.
Proverbs
15:22
says “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.” Select a group of people you admire and respect who can act as a counsel and help you with your ministry. Ask them to help you think through your ministry. Keep in touch with several people who can help you via telephone, letters, e-mails, lunch meetings, among others.
If possible, schedule a round table meeting with your group. Ask for prayer and insights from your mentors. Listen to the people you respect, and share new ideas. Often, having the power of several people on the same wavelength helps create new energy and new ideas. In this way, it’s almost like your brains are linked together as one. Your group becomes a master mind.
Well-known people also can be a part of your mastermind group. Don’t be afraid to ask them. Seek help from someone you admire for their godliness and ministry excellence. Consider people who have written books or have great ministries as potential members of your mastermind group. Sure, the author of the book you really enjoyed may be hard to reach. Yet, you may be surprised at how open they are to helping others.
Don’t forget to ask for counsel.
Action Point!
Call two or three people that you respect to help you think objectively and creatively about your ministry. Probe and explore ideas and watch as the synergy between you grows. Don’t be afraid to include people who are well-known. God is no respecter of persons, neither should you be.
