Recently I have been realizing how important it is to THINK.  I know that may sound pretty strange, but at almost 60 I’m just starting to understand the extrordinary priority I need to give to spending time contemplating those topics that are most important to me. (That’s a hint to you younger leaders).

Here are some questions you may want to consider thinking about on the topic of GATHERING NEW PEOPLE into your church or your new church plant:

• What are some ways I can get out and meet new people in my community?
• How can I develop relationships with new people that will enable me to have meaningful conversations with them about the things that are important to me?
• What kinds of events would help our group bring their friends so they could become friends with the rest of us.
• What kinds of things would make our church more attractive for people that aren’t familiar with church?

GOOD QUESTIONS FOCUS OUR THINKING.  Identify a couple of questions that are most important for you right now.  The more significant the questions, the more you will be motivated to think deeply.

TRY SETTING ASIDE ONE HOUR A WEEK FOR THINKING.  I know one hour doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a good place to start in a busy schedule.

PUT IT ON YOUR CALANDER.  I’ve found that if I don’t schedule these kinds of  important things on my calendar and then guard them jealously, they don’t happen.

GET AWAY, TO REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS. Thinking is hard work and it requires focus.  Even in a quiet, peaceful environment it will take discipline and practice to stay focused.

WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS.  Keep notes on the ideas that come to your mind.  Partial sentances are more than sufficient.  The main idea is to stir up your thinking and remember your thoughts.