Staff Development – Jason Hirsch

One cannot underestimate the significance of developing & equipping people who serve with you. I had a lot of meetings last week.  I helped people move.  I watched as 30 + volunteers emerged to serve in an effort to raise money for Haiti relief.  We did a live simulcast with financial expert Dave Ramsey as the keynote speaker.  And last but not least we came together at EpicChurchLasVegas, for our weekly gathering in which so many people are functioning in so many different roles.  If your reading this, and you were a part of any of the above activities?  I want  you to know how much I value and appreciate you.  Your effort, and service is noticed and appreciated.  Thank you!

Those were just a few of the highlights from last week. The list could go on.

Now, what do you do in a culture where people work full-time jobs?  In many cases both spouses are working to just live normally, and in some cases spouses are working over time, or even working 2-3 jobs just to survive.  Kids are involved in sports, and extra-curricular activities.  Then on top of it, the local church is asking people to give of their time, talent, and treasure to what pastors often call kingdom advancement.   Put all of the above things together, not to mention other hobbies, social life, family activities, etc….and is it a wonder why we are the most medicated culture in the history of our world?

That is exactly why I have placed staff development in the center of the radar screen at EpicChurchLasVegas.  I must first get a grip, and then show others the grip that is working for me.  I know some of you already have great grips, so what I am saying  is not necessarily universal for everybody.  There are exceptions to the rules, but by in large our lives collide at so many intersections in life.  We can all relate to busyness, and breakneck paces some days.  Many of us can relate to the feeling of living life on a treadmill.  We are in motion, but getting no where.  Does your life ever feel like that?

One can hardly say that you have it all figured out.  I sure do not!  If I can say that, I venture to say that you might be feeling the strain of life’s urgent in your face requests?

What is the answer?  Development!  Development = improving, getting better.

Interested?  The 3rd Monday of every month I have dedicated 75 minutes to speak into the life’s of my staff, directors, and church volunteers.  I will spend 35 minutes teaching, and then we will move to 35 minutes of group discussion with the intent of applying what we have just been taught.

Because of how regimented my life is, I have resolved to be sensitive with my time, and in turn respectful of other peoples time.  I have not put staff development on the table because it is another clever thing to do.  Lord knows I do not want one more thing added to my plate, and neither do you.  The reason I have put staff development front and center for our church is:  We must improve at all levels.  We do not want to just live busy, we want to live productively, and purposefully.  We do not just want to be about doing, but we need to learn how to get better at focusing our life’s on things that really matter (Like loving God, Others, our families, etc….).  We must get better!! I must get better!!

Tonight, March 15th, 2010 at 7:00 P.M..  I will not waste your time.  I will invest in you.  I will speak life into you.  I will help you improve.  Why?  Because the moment you stop developing, is the moment you have stepped onto the treadmill of life.  Oh, you can do that, but it will get you no where, and you will wear yourself out.  Do something different……Do Not Waste Your Life.  Develop!!! See you tonight!!