productive day

Yesterday we went to Blue Ridge, GA and had our first staff retreat since all of the staff changes at the stone. I thought it was a productive day. Here's what we did:

• We had a time of open discussion regarding the changes. Everyone got to talk about how they felt about the new changes to the staff and how that has affected them. Some people talked about the transition and how it has been difficult for them. When you do something for 2.5 yrs and then change it as much as we have you are going to see that it can be hard on most everyone around the office. That is normal. Most everyone talked about the changes and how they may be difficult in the short term they are going to be extremely beneficial in the long term
• Next Gary took some time to talk with the staff and cast vision. This is always great for all of the staff members. I love to hear Gary pour into us and more than that - HE loves it. His number one strength is Communication (followed closely behind that is significance!)
• Following this we looked at everyones org chart for 1,500 people. This is something we have never done at the stone. Finally having an org chart is great. Having an org chart for growth is great also. Seeing all the same names in those boxes lets us know that we need to invest in our volunteers and help them start leading more areas at the stone. This was a time where we looked at everyones area and tore some of them apart and kept some of them the same. It is good to see an organizational structure on paper.
  
• LUNCH - we went to a place called "The Cabin". Slow service. Great salad bar.
• (we were a little behind schedule when we got back - 22 minutes because of the slow service)
  
• After Lunch we started looking at every one's big picture. Our staff who lead ministries got to talk about where they want to go and how they plan on getting there.
  
• Next we looked at a master calendar from now until the end of the year. Once again this is something we have never done at the stone. It is amazing to see all the ministries on one calendar. We are a simple church but we do a lot. Those churches who are not simple churches are crazy!
• Next was the survey that we had our people fill out three weeks in a row. Very interesting results and fun conversation. That really helped us see what our people are like and what we should be looking at changing. We are here to reach the people of our community and this survey is going to help us do that better.
• Finally we discussed hot button issues. This was a Q and A time for everyone.

Overall is was a good day. The staff worked really hard getting ready for the day and I want to say thanks to all of them.

BTW - thanks for your prayers!