Kevin Ragsdale
Calibrate Conference
May 16, 2008

The most important thing we did was to get volunteers that loved students to walk along side with us.

In order to create a healthy ministry you must be able to lead people (not students)

1.    I think there is a direct correlation between your ability to lead and how much influence you are going to have in your community.
2.    The number of volunteers you get on board with your team and vision limits your growth.  (need at least 10-12 students per leader)
3.    Create a relevant environment for students and connect them.
4.    If you are a leader of people you can make something happen.

A.    You must have a vision and a plan before you can ever get people to follow you.
a.    Sharp people will not follow you if you do not have a plan
b.    The people in charge of the money will not fund you if you do not have a plan
c.    Need a core group of people to buy into what you are going to do

B.    Don’t hire out of a box
a.    Hired them on contract
b.    Hired project managers – manage systems
c.    Staff positions can be hard to hire
d.    Look at contract labor (ex. Music guy)
e.    Hire from a groups stand point and a production stand point
f.    Look for people smarter and more gifted than you and get them to follow you.

C.      Create a culture of Trust
a.    Environment where people always choose to trust
b.    Hire all-stars and then let them do their job
c.    Even all star volunteers

D.     You have to be able to recruit
a.    Do not wait for people to come to you
b.    Strategic message (invest – invite, service)
c.    Always be in the recruiting mode
d.    If you have marginal leaders you will have marginal students
e.    Be able to sell your vision
f.    Have a plan
g.    Define what you are looking for
i.    Who is your prototype small group leader?

Five Key Questions:

1.    Giftedness or Leadership?
2.    Passion or Plan?
3.    Staff or Volunteers?
4.    Production or Relationship?
5.    Creativity or Systems?

What would your leaders say you value?