How to shift your mindset in 2021

Mike Bonem Dec. 9, 2020

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

iStock

How do you react to the phrase "what if"? Does the phrase pull you in a hopeful direction that sees opportunities? Or does it lead you down a path of dark, foreboding scenarios?

I usually think of "what if" in the positive light, but I'm well aware of the alternate interpretation. Especially in this season, the list of concerns seems unending. What if our people don't come back when the pandemic is over? What if we run out of money? What if we have to lay off staff or key staff leave? I'm sure you can add to this list, either with your own concerns or ones that are being expressed by key leaders in your church or ministry.

I won't deny that a pandemic creates a downward pull on our ability to dream. But "what if" can be a question that opens us to new ideas and future possibilities. Consider the following:

• What if God wants to do something amazing through our church or ministry?
• What if we use this season to rethink our ministry model?
• What if we intentionally don't restart some programs that drain resources while bearing little fruit?
• What if we leverage what we're learning about digital ministry to reach new people?
• What if we creatively offer the hope and love of the gospel to a community that needs it more than ever?

"What if" isn't a good or bad phrase – it's neutral. It's up to leaders to decide how to frame it. What is the "what if" question that you can ask to turn from negative to positive and to move your church or ministry forward?

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

• A multicultural church avoids intracultural leadership (by Bob Whitesel)
• 5 church communication resolutions (by Mark MacDonald)
• Eight unforced errors churches make (by Thom Rainer)
• Do you speak ‘guest’? Learning to speak community lingo (by Mark MacDonald)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now