Setting up systems in church can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Systems are essential for making your ministry run smoothly and can help you focus on what matters most. A good system will help you make sure you are using the right tools for, as well as organise and manage, your church admin and your ministry effectively. In this blog post however, we will focus on the key to setting up systems in church - making sure your people are onboard.
The importance of getting your team on board with new systems
Any church leader knows that trying to implement new systems can be a daunting task. After all, church administration involves a lot of moving parts, and any change has the potential to disrupt the status quo. However, it's important to remember that change is often necessary in order to improve the way we do things. In addition, getting your team on board with new systems can save a lot of time and energy in the long run. When everyone is working from the same page, things tend to run more smoothly. That's why it's important to take the time to explain the benefits of new systems to your team. By doing so, you can help your church run more efficiently and effectively.
How to get your team on board with new systems
If you have any experience working at a church, you know there are always new systems to learn and implement. From church management software to people databases, accounting software to document storage, there's always something new to keep track of. And while it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest technology, it's even more important to make sure that your staff team is on board with any changes. After all, they're the ones who will be using the new system on a daily basis.
So how do you get your team on board with new systems? Here are a few tips:
Make sure they understand the benefits of the new system. Will it save time? Make their jobs easier? Help the church run more smoothly? Be sure to communicate the reasons for change clearly so that everyone is on the same page.
Give them plenty of time to learn the new system. Don't expect them to be experts overnight! Schedule training sessions and allow for a period of adjustment before expecting everyone to be 100% comfortable with the new way of doing things.
Ask for feedback along the way. As your team starts using the new system, check in regularly to see how they're finding it. This will help you know if the new system really is doing what it's supposed to do.
The benefits of having a team that is onboard with new systems
When everyone is on the same page, it saves time and energy that can be put towards other things. There are a few benefits of having a team that is supportive of change.
First, it creates a sense of unity within the church. When people come together to learn and implement new things, it builds relationships and creates a stronger sense of community. Second, it allows the church to be more efficient in its operations. When everyone is using the same system, there are fewer communication breakdowns and things run more smoothly. Finally, it shows that the church is committed to growth. When a church is willing to invest time and energy into new systems, it sends a message that it is open to change and wants to improve.
Overall, having a team that is supportive of new systems is essential for any church. It creates unity, efficiency, and shows a commitment to growth.
Tips for implementing new systems in your church
As church leaders, we are always looking for ways to improve our church systems. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to know how to go about implementing new systems.
Here are 7 tips to help you along the way:
Define the problem: What is the current system not accomplishing? How will the new system solve this problem?
Do your research: What other churches have similar problems? What solutions have they implemented?
Involve your team: It will be much easier to implement a new system if your staff team (and/or church members if necessary) are on board with the idea. Talk to them about the proposed changes and why you think they would be beneficial.
Educate yourself on the new system: Once you have decided how to move forward, take the time to learn. The more you know about how the new system works, the easier it will be to explain it to others.
Create a plan: how are you going to implement the new system? This should include a timeline, as well as specific roles and responsibilities for each team member.
Be prepared for some bumps along the way: Change can be difficult, and it's important to be patient and flexible. Don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned at first - just keep working at it and adjust as needed.
Don't forget to celebrate your successes! Implementing a new system is a big accomplishment, so take the time to enjoy it.
Some examples of systems you might implement at your church
Moving from multiple storage sites on multiple platforms to one central online storage software accessible for all who need it e.g. Google Suite, Microsoft365, Dropbox
Moving from using one file such as a spreadsheet to keep track of people, serving rosters and service planning to an online solution e.g. Elvanto, Church Community Builder,
Moving from handwritten name tags for church and weekly ministries to implementing automatic sign in and name tags
Setting up a pathway for people to begin serving at church, join Bible studies or join an evangelistic course
The list feels endless of systems that we could implement and it can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With careful planning and execution, you can set up systems that make your church run more smoothly and efficiently. And the benefits are worth it! Not only will your church members and staff team appreciate the change, but hopefully you may also see growth in your church as a result. If you need help getting started, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to get started on setting up the perfect systems for your church.
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