Making headway in ministry against great odds is possible when we map out the race, gather ministry weather data, and watch for wear and tear.

In the 1999 New York City Marathon, wind took its toll. According to Dan Middleman, the top US finisher, “I was by myself battling 20 mph winds. And that made it very tough. ... the wind kicked up and it got horrible. A nightmare.”

So it happens in ministry. As long as the winds of opposition are calm, we can make unhindered progress. When headwinds suddenly pickup and assert their unending pressure, we sometimes find ourselves alone ... facing a nightmare. We would rather quit running instead of facing obstacles.

Middleman said, “I didn’t get down despite the conditions.” So shouldn’t we.I have found, after 24 years of ministry, making headway in ministry against great odds is less taxing and more productive when I have mapped out the race, gathered ministry weather data, and watched for wear and tear.

* Map Out The Race

No runner enters a race without first knowing the layout. To ignore finding out is to go the wrong way -- resulting in disqualification by the powers that be. I thought my pastor had gone nuts. He proposed we totally revamp our preschool department. I wondered then, “Did he not know? That preschool department was led by five prominent church women who rejected any change. Did he not understand preschool was considered a nursery for 100 years and teaching a lesson was never done?” He did. He said, “Our children deserved quality teaching. Their valuableness to our churches future dictated we not allow our current preschool setup to continue.”

My fears somewhat eased when he mapped out the course we would run over the next eight months. It included a step by step road map to the final destination -- a revitalized preschool department.This vision for preschool Sunday school marked our first step. Indeed, we understood our “ability to provide leadership is directly connected to how (we) envision a preferred future and then effectively communicate that goal to (our) constituency.”1

To insure the church family knew where we were headed, softening the blow of coming objections, we began preparation (gathering weather data). Before we leave this vital element, let’s consider some dos and don’ts:

1. Do seek God’s wisdom before launching a major ministry overhaul.

2. Don’t allow vision shaping to develop because of selfish interest.

3. Do include a spiritual rationale to your endeavor.

4. Don’t allow lack of resources to deter pursuing visions with God-like dimensions.

* Gather Weather Data Runners consistently check the weather. Depending on how hot or cold, calm or windy, orstormy or clear, runners decide what to wear, when to run, and how long.In ministry, we cannot not afford to miss gathering necessary data.

My pastor wasted no time. He understood, “The best of plans is of little value unless it is installed and actuated.”2 He contacted a recent new member who happened to be a preschool consultant from our state office. She laid out the best design for a preschool department using the facilities we had available. My pastor then contacted our building and grounds committee to get a cost estimate on renovating. He proceeded to the finance committee and deacon body for their impute. Ultimately, he went to the church.

No stone was left unturned. Every objection was raised early and addressed. Experts, statistical data, and the latest developments in preschool education showed our church family the need. After several church wide letters and a number of business sessions, the church voiced its approval. We proceeded as planned.

Things to consider when gathering data:

1. If the decision involves spending money, get at least three bids.

2. Involve key leaders in assembling information.

3. Organize the facts into a systematic presentation.

4. Seek to obtain statistical details to answer every possible objection.

* Watch For Wear And Tear

Good runners know when their bodies begin to show unhealthy stress -- recognizing the danger signs. In such times, they will takes things slowly and proceed with prudence.My pastor and I knew dangers awaited us. We were right. The five teachers initially voiced their disapproval. We moved slowly and with caution. After a number of weeks, we very lovingly and tenderly, helped them see our intentions. All five were asked to come back as teachers with the understanding our recent preschool consultant would serve as director. Under her direction they would to teach a lesson as designed.

Four of the women, though not wanting to continue, accepted the new format. One did not.This one lady voiced her disapproval with a heated letter to the church. Fortunately, because of the mapped out plan and prior data shared, she found no support. She soon left the church.

Was it worth losing one member in order to have a quality preschool ministry? If you saw the faces of the children and parents the weeks following its completion, you would say, “absolutely!” The new families we gained with preschoolers far outweighed any negative consequences.

Signs of wear and tear:

1. When we hear subtle hints of discontent. The deacon body is usually aware of negative undercurrents. Ask them.

2. When we become self absorbed with the plan ... to the neglect of other ministries. In other words, do we have tunnel vision?

3. When plans are moving too fast. Instead of slowly with caution, we find ourselves propelling with reckless abandon.We could have rode the stillness of the status quo and avoided the strong winds of change. Instead, we moved out of our comfort zone. In turn, we “pushed the church to grow by pushing the outer edges of its comfort zone.”3 They ended up experiencing a greater reality.

Yet, such realities never come without some windy resistance. When we map out terrain, gather necessary data, and watch for wear and tear, our chances of making significant headway improve greatly. The end result makes running against the wind ... worth it all.

.********************************************************* Keys To Calming Windy Resistance

If you are facing some strong headwinds, consider these calming choices:

1. Cut Through The Wind - Don’t allow the opposition to broadside. As soon as you can address the perceived hostility, answering their questions calmly and succinctly, the greater chance heated disagreements will cease.

2. Go Around The Storm - Some storms are not worth riding out. Only you can decide if it deserves facing head on. If not, go around it. This can be done by refocusing your energies that will accomplish the same objective.

3. Find Shelter - Strong winds don’t blow forever. Whether shelter comes in the form of your deacon body running interference or a period of silence concerning the matter, leave. Find shelter and momentarily remove any resistance. Once the winds have died down, a renewed effort is possible.

4. Harness The Wind - Wind is a powerful force. Bridle it in your direction and reap a greater movement forward. Try to tie the opposition’s strength and interest to your desired outcome.Opposition people are usually the movers and shakers. Bringing them along side is a worthy goal and a wise move.

5. Heed The Warnings - Running against hurricane force winds is impossible. If you are alone and everyone seems against your idea, plan, or concept, probably everyone is against your idea, plan, or concept. Admit your mistake, and move on. It’s not worth facing overwhelming odds.

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