Leadership

Asking People to Do Things: Ten Worst Ways and Eleven Best Ways

Ten Worst Ways to Ask People to Do Things

 

  1. Don’t be specific about the task that needs to be done, with the hope that if you are general and vague enough, the person will have no idea how much work is involved and will say, “Yes,” on the spot.
  2. Ask someone you know won’t say, “No.” Then you can quickly get the asking done and get that job off your plate.
  3. Ask somebody for an immediate response in the middle of a meeting, hoping they will succumb to group pressure and say, “Yes.”
  4. Press for an immediate answer. Don’t ask people to pray about their response.
  5. Stand up and make a general announcement in the congregation, implying that we are desperate and will take any warm body.
  6. Whine and say, “We can’t find anybody else to do this.”
  7. While you’re at it, heap on guilt. Make the person feel guilty for not doing his/her part.
  8. Don’t ask for a time–limited commitment. That way you can keep the person doing this job for the rest of their lives, and you won’t have to ask anyone again.
  9. Make sure you say, “There’s not much to it. Anybody can do it.”
  10. Whatever you do, don’t pray or think about matching the gifts and interests of the person with the job to be done. 

  

Eleven Best Ways to Invite People to Serve Christ in Specific Ministries

 

  1. Prayerfully consider the spiritual gifts, abilities, and interests a person would need to work effectively and joyfully in that ministry.
  2. Consider the gifts, abilities, and interests of the people available to serve Christ through your congregation.
  3. Find a time when you can talk with the person without distractions or hurry.
  4. Ask the person to pray about whether God is inviting him/her to this particular ministry. Do not ask for an immediate response.
  5. Describe in as much detail as you can what the ministry involves and why it is important to Christ’s work through His body.
  6. Describe why you think this person may be a good match for this ministry – the spiritual gifts, abilities, and interests you see in that person.
  7. Ask for a time-limited commitment.  Example: “Would you prayerfully consider serving as a leader of the Discipleship Ministry Team for one year?”
  8. Describe the support that person will receive from the larger church body: materials, budget, substitutes, prayer support, etc.
  9. Ask what questions and concerns the person has, and answer them honestly, or, if you don’t know the answer, try to find out.
  10. Tell the person when you will get back with him/her to see how the Lord is leading. 
  11. If the person says, “No,” graciously accept the answer, and seek the Lord again for the right person for that ministry.