One of the most powerful investments we have made in my almost 23 years here is in our Annual Staff Advance. Retreating from the normal for four days and really investing into the future of our church has had an incredible payoff. Without these days, past failures and victories would not be addressed or celebrated. Without these days, future and relationships would be forfeited or neglected.

1. Investing in Relationships
When you have a large staff team as well as two campuses, relationships many times can become unimportant. Why? Honestly, because there is so much to do. Our Annual Staff Advance covers a multitude of sins. How? When people are together and do life together, everyone understands the value of one another. We realize the power of team. We understand what a team really is. Since ministry is dependent on relationships, then staff relationships matter. They must be full of integrity and honor.Investing in Doing Church

2. Investing in Doing Church
Many laypersons and pastors just do not get it regarding what it takes to “do church.” Since they do not live in that world or they seem to think it is no big deal, at times they just undervalue what it takes to pull off just one Sunday, one major event, or an ongoing ministry. Additionally, the power of pulling all that together without division or individual preference takes a miracle from God. This week is about us pulling together to do church together. It takes a lot to do all of the above.

3. Investing in the Future
So many churches forfeit their future on the altar of neglect or excuses. Neglect calls us to not do the job we need to do. Excuses call us to reason why we should not or cannot get away to advance together as a team, whether that team is a pastor and his lay-leaders in a smaller church or a pastor and his staff team in a larger church. Well, neglect and excuses are just inexcusable. We are in the most eternal business on earth: winning people to Jesus and discipling them into Christlikeness. The future is so valuable to claim and experience; therefore, we must advance! Yes, it takes planning and being together to advance.

I am thankful to God for the great church we serve and for the leadership that sees the value of Investing in our Team.