Yesterday we looked at some simple steps in developing creativity with your women’s ministry team. Today, I want to give you some tips on staying creative in your ministry. Why? Because we tend to get in a rut! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to a women’s “annual” something and they brag about how many years they’ve done the same event over and over again. Plus, the format never changes! The same women are in charge and the decorations are done the same way. Can I give you a hint if you’re trying to attract young women–this has the makings of “boring” written all over it.

So, here’s some practical tips for staying creative in ministry:

1. Surround yourself with creative people. You know who they are. Buy them lunch or hang out with them. Creativity is viral so get around someone who has it and catch it!

2. Start somewhere. Force yourself to begin the creative process. It doesn’t happen by accident. There needs to be purpose behind making time to be creative. This step is not for the procrastinators on your team.

3. Expose yourself to new concepts. Look at different forms of art, read books you wouldn’t normally read, listen to music you’ve never heard. Listen to a preacher you’ve never heard. You never know what new idea will be planted in your mind and in your heart.

4. Never stop learning.  I love the phrase, “Leaders are learners.” Take a class. Keep reading. Try a new recipe. I bought a new cookbook last year (something I NEVER do). It was actually fun trying out some new recipes that my family really enjoyed. I also love to watch television shows that spur creativity. Whether it’s a show about baking cakes or redecorating a house, there’s a lot to learn from watching creative people in action.

5. Meet new people. I hope I don’t offend anyone, but sometimes we get really stuck in our “Christian bubble.” That’s one reason we aren’t reaching lost people. We’re not developing relationships with them. I met a restaurant manager who wanted to start her own catering business a few months ago. It was refreshing to hear someone’s passion and begin a relationship with someone who is open to hearing about the Gospel.

6. Carry a camera with you. And then use it. A lot of you have cameras built into your phone. When you see something that catches your eye or a combination of colors that you like, take a picture.

7. Creativity is a muscle. Use it or lose it. You will need to stretch yourself to think outside the box.

8. When you’re stuck, go exercise. This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon. It just means, “get moving.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting at my desk for a period of time and I’ve been stuck in the creative process. A good walk up and down the stairs or a short break to get some fresh air outside does wonders. (so does Starbucks!)

9. Spend time with children–either your own or someone else’s. Children are the most creative people around. They can take the simplest of objects and create something out of nothing. Plus, being around children will just make you smile.

10. Stop telling yourself you’re not creative. Over and over again, women have been caught in this deception. You are creative and God wants you to use this gift in ministry.

Tomorrow: Steps in Being Creative With Your Ministry Ideas

Wow. I can’t believe it’s October and I haven’t blogged since the first day of school. That’s called “really behind”! But between five regional training events, my daughter’s volleyball schedule and everything in between, I’ve been a little lax in keeping up!

So, to make up for lost time, my hope is to spend the next few days downloading some things I’ve been working on. I’m teaching at the 2011 Texas Leadership Forum next February and I’ve been developing four new topics. Today, I’ll share with you some simple concepts on developing creativity in your women’s ministry.

Now, before you make the comment, “I’m not creative”, I want to remind you that you were made in the image of God and He is the ultimate Creator. Everyone can be creative. It just may manifest itself in different ways.

First, the secret to creative thinking is to start with the problem or challenge. Turn those challenges into opportunities. After that, creative ideas will surely come. What are your ministry challenges? Can’t get younger women involved? Not sure you’re getting women involved in prayer? Do your women need to be challenged to share their faith? Begin with one topic and follow these steps with your ministry team. (Creativity is best done in collaboration–not in solitude!)

1. Generate ideas. Lots of ideas. Put up large pieces of paper and write them all down. At this point, don’t allow feedback. You just want as many ideas as you can think of.

2. Prohibit criticism when generating ideas. This is not the time to shoot down an idea or give reasons why it won’t work. (or you don’t have money for it)

3. Do not stop at the first good idea. Someone may suggest a good idea right at the first. That’s great! But don’t stop there! Most of the “first ideas” are “obvious ideas.”

4. After you generate the list, pick the top five. Give each idea a “score”. I’ve been in groups when we used the “fist to five” method. Everyone made a fist if they didn’t like it and five fingers meant it was at the top. We even decided to “flush” an idea if we really didn’t like it.

5. Keep a file or notebook of ideas. You never know when you might need to revisit the ideas that were given.

6. Provide a creative atmosphere. Use objects that are colorful. Be in an image-rich environment. Go outside and get some fresh air. Whatever you do, you want the creative process to keep flowing.

Tomorrow’s blog: Tips For Staying Creative.

I guess I must be bored tonight. Why? I actually started cleaning out some cabinets in my home office. Yep, the kids are gone and the only thing on television is The Bachelorette. (oh how I could go on and on about that one!)

So, as I started cleaning out the drawers that hold random photos, copies of writing contracts and leftover Christmas stationary, I found one of my favorite teaching props. It needs little explanation. The moment I place it on my face, there is an immediate connection. And I think it cost me less than a dollar to purchase. But if I didn’t have it as a reminder, it would cost me a lot more.

What is it? It’s a little black “Lone Ranger” mask. You know, the Lone Ranger. The cowboy hero with his famous horse, Silver. And why do I own one? Because it’s my reminder that ministry is NOT meant to be done alone.

As a women’s ministry leader, do you often find yourself doing everything? Are you dreaming up the ideas for ministry and then executing the details? If so, you might be wearing my Lone Ranger mask. But if you’re developing a team who will help you pray and seek God’s will for your ministry, then hopefully you’ve found a healthy balance of leadership and collaboration.

Teams don’t always mean that execution is easier. In fact, it’s really not. If I sat in my office and made all the decisions, I could get a lot of things crossed off my “to do” list more quickly. But, because I value the input of others, sometimes there is give and take, hard discussions and creative minds focused on kingdom results. We spend time praying, creating, debating and making decisions together that I believe deliver a better outcome. And the best part is that my team has an investment in the ministry we are working on together.

In fact, I think Jesus had a similar team. They were called the 12 disciples. And while Jesus could have accomplished His purpose without them, I’m glad He chose to use them and continues to use us to reach our world for Christ.

So, no more Lone Rangers. Let’s do ministry together.