Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Leadership Lessons from Elf



One of my favorite Christmas movies of all time is Elf, starring Will Ferrell.  It’s the story of Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole, who goes to New York City to search for his dad.  

Not only is Elf hilarious, but it also contains some great leadership advice for those of us who lead in kidmin.  

Near the beginning of the movie we see Buddy learning “The Code of the Elves.”  These are the basic rules governing everyone at the North Pole:
  1. Treat every day like Christmas.
  2. There’s room for everyone on the nice list.
  3. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. 

By applying each of these practices to your Children’s Ministry, you’ll go from a cotton-headed ninny muggins to Master Tinker faster than you can say Papa Elf.  Here’s how:  

1. Treat every day like Christmas.

Make every day feel like Christmas by giving generously to your team.  Always ask yourself the question, what can I give to those I lead?  Do they have the resources they need to do the job I’m asking them to do?  How can I make the facility better to set them up to win?  Do they need time with me, affirmation, a break or even a dose of hard truth communicated in a loving way?  How can I help them take a step to becoming the leader and the disciple God has created them to be?

2. There’s room for everyone on the nice list.

Believe in people.  Don’t just give expectations to live up to, but possibilities to live into.   Look at people like God does and see the potential in every leader.  Help them to see it too and what it will take to get them there.  You’ll be amazed at how fast they grow into it.    

3. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. 

As the leader you always need to be the most positive person in the room.  Nobody wants to follow Debbie Downer.  Let the joy of the Lord be your strength. You serve a creative God with endless resources.  No matter what challenge your ministry faces, He has the answers.   Be solution-oriented and resilient when everyone else thinks the sky is falling.   Radiate vision, enthusiasm and hope and people will be inspired to overcome adversity and give their best for God's kids.    

So there you go, follow the Code of the Elves to make this year the best kidmin Christmas ever!


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