Why Mission Matters!

The last several days I’ve been attending a conference and mingling among friends that I have gotten to know for the last four years or so. The conference is an intensive training experience on how to develop mission that defines ministry that equips others in their Calling. 

The kitchen crew.

For over 40 years, Dr. William McConkey has lead a network and team to resource ministries. It has been a joy to participate over the last three or so years. My friend and mentor, Howard Robbins from On the Edge Ministries introduce me to this experience.

There is so much available in this conference that is enriching. From fellowship to prayer and worship that unites us in God-size, Kingdom-level training. Ministries of all sizes participate. Some we would know very well like, Ron Hutchcraft Ministries & CRU, while others are small, local ministries that serve in small, yet powerful ways. The knowledge gained from this experience helps better define the mission and purpose by better understanding our cause statement.

Discussion and tactics were part of the experience as well as in-depth training, modules that touch on every aspect of organizational development in the nonprofit sector. Ideas were shared as well as challenging suppositions to become better at our ministry focus.

Everyone can improve. Woven within this conference is an understanding that none of us have been perfected in any of the disciplines required for nonprofit organizational development. Whether that be fundraising or in staffing or even ministry opportunities, we all are enriched through the experience of coming together to learn.

Kicking off the experience was a bit of a day of rest and worship. Attending the Sutter Presbyterian Church, where McConkey is also the pastor is a great way to begin. This diverse community is evangelical and leads ministries from across the world learn how to better develop their efforts to reach with purpose, and for the glory of God those whom they are called to serve. Everything begins and ends with God, both for His purpose and glory. Centered around this theme helps us to remain humble and to seek God for his resources needed to accomplish the work God calls us to lead.

This conference was both inspiring and insightful. So much to learn yet be equipped to do better is important. To hear what others are doing truly and it inspires others as well.

Learning how to develop and grow your nonprofit organization is filled with many challenges. With well over 1 million nonprofit organizations set up an annually, 30-50% or more fail in the first few years. That’s amazing! Most fail because they don’t understand their cause nor how to communicate it to others to raise needed financial support to further its development.

Studies suggest that a substantial percentage, potentially 30% to 50% or even more, close down in the first year or two. (Source)

Through the years of experience with the teams McConkey Management Development Institute (MMDI) have assisted hundreds, if not thousands of organizations around the world. Through a multi-disciplined approach in development,  nonprofits learn the basic & essential tools needed for it to succeed.

Serving meals

Mission does matter. Your cause makes a difference! Serving Christ is eternal. Nothing done for God’s Kingdom is ever wasted!

Learning the tactical, as well as the strategic makes a difference. We are all learners! Your passion alone will not accomplish the dream that is in your heart. (This picture shows a ministry,  New Life meal ministry serving low income families in the name of Christ. Ministries like this can benefit from MMDI.

The last four days have been tiresome, but worth it! Conference with like-minded, Christian leaders is refreshing. Learning the how to “get ‘er done” is essential. Do you have a passion in your heart that God has given you? Let’s talk!

If you want your mission to succeed, you will need to learn how to develop the organization. Relationships matter most. Cultivate your cause and build support through prayer are primary. The development process is a system and tactics that serve the cause by furthering your mission is the answer to growth. 

It is essential to learn the system for development. I like the statement that; “You don’t rise to measure of the goals.  You fall to the level of your systems.” (James Clear)