It never ceases to amaze me how many church leaders just don’t know where to start…

I used to be surprised by it, but not anymore.  It’s not that they don’t desire to accomplish great things for God.  It’s not even that they’re lazy.

They just aren’t clear about what they should be doing on any given day. And as a result, hours each day are spent thinking about what they should do.  Meanwhile, whatever is urgent gets taken care of while that which is truly important gets neglected.

I’ve heard this affliction called “the paralysis of analysis.”

Assuming that the leader in question is spending time with God, a few starter questions for someone in this situation would be:

• What is God calling you to do? What are your goals?  Where are you heading?
• What should your church look like six months/a year/five years from now?
• What area of your life/leadership are you looking to change or improve?

A clear picture of where you’re heading will begin to bring clarity to the steps you need to take today.

And once you begin to see that desired outcome – that future picture of what could and should be – you can begin to employ this simple mantra:

MOVE THE BALL FORWARD TODAY

On very rare occasions, we get the chance to experience “one of those days” when things drastically change immediately, but most often, progress is made by moving the ball forward a little each day.

Here are a couple of examples – Imagine…

- You’re a Church Planter who wants to launch large and reach hundreds of people right from the start. That’s an admirable, God-honoring goal, but what does that mean you should do today?

• Do something to secure your meeting location today
• Make 5 contacts with unchurched people today
• Call 5 potential partners today
• Download and listen to Over $115.00 in Free Church Planting Resources today

- You’re a Senior Pastor who recognizes that your church is unorganized and wants to make it as efficient as possible. Again, that’s a great thought, but what are you going to do today to get one step closer?

• Download and read my Free Healthy Systems, Healthy Church E-Book today
• Schedule and plan a meeting with your key leaders to chart a course to making your church healthier today
• Find a nearby Training Event and register today
• Read about and apply for a systems-based Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network today

This applies to all areas of life – spiritual, mental, physical – determine where you’re going and make sure you take steps in that direction every day.

In other words… Move the ball forward today.

P.S. One of the greatest tools to help you move the ball forward each day is accountability.  And a surefire method to remain accountable is to be a part of a like-minded coaching network.  My new Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network begins August 19 and is filling up fast – click here for more info and to apply now.