Effective Entrance Strategies
The “Why” Behind the Course
Introduction activities are an essential component in building teamwork and fostering positive communication within a group. These activities serve as icebreakers, allowing team members to get to know each other better and establish a sense of camaraderie. By using this ebook, readers will gain the necessary skills to implement guided giving campaigns that not only show results but also strengthen the bonds between team members.
One of the primary benefits of introduction activities is that they break down barriers and create a comfortable environment for team members to interact. These activities encourage individuals to share personal information, interests, and experiences, which helps build trust and understanding among team members. By engaging in these activities, team members can discover commonalities and develop a sense of empathy towards one another, leading to improved communication and collaboration.
Furthermore, introduction activities provide an opportunity for team members to showcase their unique skills and talents. By highlighting individual strengths, these activities allow team members to recognize and appreciate the diverse expertise within the group. This recognition fosters a sense of respect and encourages team members to value each other's contributions, leading to a more inclusive and supportive team dynamic.
In addition to building teamwork, introduction activities also promote positive communication within the group. These activities often involve active listening and effective communication skills, such as paraphrasing and asking open-ended questions. By practicing these skills during the introduction activities, team members develop a foundation for effective communication throughout the guided giving campaigns.
By using this ebook, readers will gain the necessary knowledge and tools to implement guided giving campaigns that yield tangible results. The ebook provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan and execute successful campaigns, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills they need to make a meaningful impact. Moreover, the ebook emphasizes the importance of teamwork and positive communication throughout the campaign, highlighting how these elements contribute to the overall success of the initiative.
In conclusion, introduction activities play a crucial role in building teamwork and fostering positive communication within a group. By using this ebook, readers will not only gain the skills needed to implement guided giving campaigns that show results but also learn how to create a supportive and collaborative team environment. With the knowledge and tools provided in this ebook, readers will be well-prepared to continue implementing guided giving campaigns that make a difference and strengthen the bonds between team members.
Table of Contents
How to Use this DonorWerx Guide
How to Use This Guide:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Content:
Take some time to read through the course materials and get acquainted with the ten effective entrance strategies and activities we will be covering. Understanding the concepts and techniques beforehand will help you make the most of this guide.
2. Assess Your Church Setting:
Reflect on the specific needs and dynamics of your church setting. Consider the size of your group, the frequency of your meetings, and the goals you hope to achieve. This will help you tailor the strategies and activities to suit your unique context.
3. Plan Ahead:
Before each meeting, review the strategies and activities covered in this guide. Select the ones that align with your meeting objectives and the desired outcomes. Consider the time available, the number of participants, and any specific themes or topics you want to address.
4. Prepare Materials and Resources:
Some activities may require additional materials or resources. Make sure you have everything you need in advance, such as pens, paper, props, or any other supplies. This will ensure a smooth and seamless implementation of the strategies.
5. Communicate Expectations:
Clearly communicate the purpose and format of the entrance activities to your team members. Let them know what to expect and encourage their active participation. Emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone's input is valued.
6. Facilitate with Enthusiasm:
As the facilitator, it is crucial to bring energy and enthusiasm to the entrance activities. Set a positive tone, encourage engagement, and actively participate yourself. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to get involved and create a sense of excitement within the group.
7. Reflect and Adapt:
After each meeting, take some time to reflect on the effectiveness of the entrance strategies and activities used. Consider the level of engagement, the quality of interactions, and the overall impact on team bonding. Use this feedback to adapt and refine your approach for future meetings.
8. Share and Collaborate:
Don't keep these strategies to yourself! Share your experiences and insights with others in your church community. Encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas. By sharing what you have learned, you can inspire others to create engaging and interactive meetings as well.
Remember, this guide is meant to be a resource and reference for you as you navigate the world of effective entrance strategies and activities in a church setting. Feel free to adapt and modify the techniques to suit your specific needs and the preferences of your team members. With dedication and creativity, you can create a welcoming and engaging environment that fosters strong bonds and meaningful connections among adults in your church community.
Creative Introductory Examples for Leadership Meetings
How to Use This Guide:
I. Introduction:
In this lesson plan, we will explore creative and engaging opening activities for leadership meetings that promote team bonding, positive communication, and idea sharing. Starting leadership meetings on a positive and engaging note is crucial for setting the tone and creating a collaborative environment. We will introduce a different activity for each day of the week to keep the meetings fresh and exciting.
II. Monday: "Don't let Monday be Mundane":
On Mondays, we will kick off the meeting with an activity called "Don't let Monday be Mundane." The purpose of this activity is to share interesting facts, stories, or lived experiences. By sharing something unique about themselves, participants can connect on a personal level and foster a sense of camaraderie. Each participant will take turns sharing their own interesting facts, stories, or lived experiences, followed by a brief discussion or Q&A session.
III. Tuesday: "Thoughtful Tuesday":
On Tuesdays, we will engage in "Thoughtful Tuesday." This activity focuses on sharing thoughtful actions from team members. Participants will be prompted to recall a time when a team member did something thoughtful for them. By highlighting these acts of kindness, we can foster a culture of appreciation and gratitude within the team. Participants will share their experiences, emphasizing the positive impact it had on them. A brief discussion or Q&A session will follow each sharing.
VI. Wednesday: "Werx Out Wednesday":
Wednesdays will be dedicated to "Werx Out Wednesday." This activity revolves around sharing insights from the DonorWerx framework. Participants will be encouraged to share something from the framework that has changed their way of thinking. By discussing these insights, we can enhance our leadership approach and decision-making. Participants will explain how the framework has influenced their thinking, followed by a brief discussion or Q&A session.
V. Thursday: "Thumbs Up Thursday":
Thursdays will be all about positivity with "Thumbs Up Thursday." The purpose of this activity is to share positivity with others in the room. Participants will express appreciation or give compliments to other team members. By focusing on the strengths and achievements of our colleagues, we can boost morale and create a supportive atmosphere. Participants will be encouraged to be specific and genuine in their positive feedback. A brief discussion or Q&A session will follow each sharing.
VI. Friday: "Flesh it Out Friday":
On Fridays, we will engage in "Flesh it Out Friday." This activity encourages participants to share new ideas or suggestions. Each member will have the opportunity to present their idea or suggestion, and other team members will be given the chance to add on to it. By fostering collaboration and creativity, we can generate innovative solutions and improve our team dynamics. A brief discussion or Q&A session will follow each sharing.
VII. Conclusion:
Incorporating these creative opening activities in leadership meetings can have numerous benefits, including team bonding, positive communication, and idea sharing. By starting the meetings on a positive and engaging note, we can create a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and productivity. I encourage all participants to actively participate and engage in these activities to make our leadership meetings more enjoyable and effective. Thank you for your participation, and let's make our meetings exciting and impactful!
Keep Making Waves: DonorWerx Beach Ball Activity
Objective: To teach ministry leaders how to incorporate the "Keep Making Waves: DonorWerx Beach Ball Activity'' as a fun and interactive way to encourage brainstorming, discussion, and engagement among participants. This activity can be used to address questions, compliments, giving thanks, and other topics relevant to their work, current giving campaign, or life in general.
Materials:
- Beachball
- Marker
- List of general and specific questions (related to the ministry's work, giving campaign, or life in general)
- Timer (optional)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin by explaining the purpose of the activity: to encourage brainstorming, discussion, and engagement among participants.
- Emphasize that this activity can be used not only for addressing questions but also for compliments, giving thanks, and other manners of communication.
- Highlight the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for open dialogue.
2. Brainstorming Questions (10 minutes):
- Provide participants with a list of general and specific questions related to their work, the current giving campaign, or life in general.
- There is also an option to list these questions in the session prior as an exit activity and add them to the beach ball beforehand.
- Encourage participants to think creatively and add their own questions to the list.
- Explain that these questions will be written on the beach ball.
3. Writing Questions on the Beach Ball (5 minutes):
- Pass the beachball around the room, allowing each participant to write one question on the ball using the marker.
- Remind participants to write legibly and keep the questions concise.
4. Tossing the Beachball (15-20 minutes):
- Start the activity by tossing the beachball to a participant.
- Instruct the participant to catch the ball and read aloud the first question their hand touches.
- The participant must then answer the question to the best of their ability.
- After answering, the participant tosses the beachball to another participant, who repeats the process.
- Encourage participants to engage in further discussion or ask follow-up questions related to the initial question.
5. Variation: Compliments and Giving Thanks:
- Explain that the beachball activity can also be used for compliments and expressing gratitude.
- Participants can write compliments or words of appreciation on the beach ball instead of questions.
- When catching the beachball, participants will read aloud the compliment or expression of thanks and share it with the group.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the activity, allowing participants to share their thoughts and experiences.
- Encourage participants to reflect on the benefits of using this activity in their ministry work, such as fostering open communication, building relationships, and encouraging creativity.
- Thank the participants for their active participation and willingness to engage in this interactive activity.
Note: This activity can be adapted to suit various settings and purposes. It can be used as an icebreaker, team-building exercise, or a tool for addressing specific topics or challenges within the ministry.
Effective Use of Entrance Slips for Ministry Leaders
Objective: To equip ministry leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively use entrance slips during general church meetings and DonorWerx specific guided giving campaigns.
Duration: 60 minutes
Materials:
- Entrance slips
- Pens/pencils
- Whiteboard/flipchart and markers
- Handouts with sample entrance slips
Procedure:
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
A. Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the lesson.
B. Share the importance of using entrance slips to gather valuable information and engage attendees during church meetings and DonorWerx specific guided giving campaigns.
II. Understanding the Purpose of Entrance Slips (10 minutes)
A. Discuss the benefits of using entrance slips:
- Collecting contact information for follow-up.
- Gathering feedback and suggestions.
- Assessing attendees' needs and interests.
B. Explain the specific goals for using entrance slips during general church meetings and DonorWerx specific guided giving campaigns.
III. Designing Effective Entrance Slips (15 minutes)
A. Discuss the key elements of an effective entrance slip :
- Name and contact information.
- Questions related to the meeting's purpose or campaign.
- Optional sections for prayer requests or additional comments.
B. Provide examples of well-designed entrance slips.
C. Allow participants to brainstorm and create their own entrance slips based on their ministry's needs.
IV. Implementing Entrance Slips during General Church Meetings (15 minutes)
A. Explain the process of distributing and collecting entrance slips.
B. Discuss the importance of providing clear instructions and setting expectations.
C. Share strategies for maximizing engagement and participation:
- Encourage attendees to complete the slips before the meeting starts.
- Allocate time during the meeting for attendees to fill out the slips.
- Designate a collection point or use designated volunteers to collect the slips.
D. Emphasize the significance of promptly following up with attendees based on the information gathered.
V. Utilizing Entrance Slips for DonorWerx Specific Guided Giving Campaigns (10 minutes)
A. Explain the unique role of entrance slips during DonorWerx campaigns.
B. Discuss the importance of tailoring the questions to align with the campaign's objectives.
C. Provide examples of effective questions related to guided giving campaigns.
D. Highlight the significance of using the collected information to personalize donor engagement and communication.
VI. Conclusion and Application (5 minutes)
A. Recap the main points covered in the lesson.
B. Encourage participants to implement the use of entrance slips in their ministry.
C. Provide handouts with sample entrance slips for reference.
D. Allow time for questions and clarifications.
Note: This lesson plan can be adapted to suit the specific needs and context of your ministry.
Ministry Leader Reflection Form: Enhancing Meeting Focus, Effectiveness, and Participant Bonding through Entrance Activities
Instructions: Please take some time to reflect on your experience as a ministry leader and how you have utilized entrance activities to improve meeting focus, effectiveness, and participant bonding. Answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully.
1. Ministry Name:
2. Date of Reflection:
3. How often do you incorporate entrance activities in your ministry meetings?
a. Rarely
b. Occasionally
c. Frequently
d. Always
4. Describe the purpose of using entrance activities in your meetings. How do they contribute to meeting focus, effectiveness, and participant bonding?
5. What types of entrance activities have you found most effective in achieving the desired outcomes? (e.g., icebreakers, team-building exercises, energizers, etc.) Please provide specific examples.
6. How do you ensure that the entrance activities are relevant to the meeting's objectives and theme? Share any strategies or techniques you employ.
7. Have you observed any positive changes in meeting dynamics, participant engagement, or team cohesion as a result of incorporating entrance activities? Please elaborate.
8. Reflect on any challenges or obstacles you have encountered while implementing entrance activities. How have you overcome them, or what steps are you taking to address them?
9. How do you assess the impact of entrance activities on meeting focus, effectiveness, and participant bonding? Do you gather feedback from participants or use any other evaluation methods?
10. Share any additional insights, tips, or lessons learned from your experience with using entrance activities to enhance ministry meetings.
11. Moving forward, what steps will you take to further improve the use of entrance activities in your ministry? How do you plan to sustain the positive outcomes achieved?
Energizers for Ministry Leaders
Objective: To provide ministry leaders with three energizers that can be used at the start of meetings to engage participants, increase energy levels, and stimulate creative thinking.
Duration: 30 minutes
Materials Needed:
- Timer or stopwatch
- Flipchart or whiteboard
- Markers
- Sticky notes or index cards
Procedure:
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
A. Greet participants and explain the purpose of the lesson plan.
B. Emphasize the importance of starting meetings with energizers to boost participants' energy levels and encourage active participation.
C. Share the benefits of using energizers, such as increased creativity, improved focus, and enhanced team dynamics.
II. Energizer 1: "Quickfire Questions" (10 minutes)
A. Explain that this energizer involves asking participants a series of rapid-fire questions.
B. Divide participants into pairs or small groups.
C. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
D. Instruct participants to take turns asking each other questions, aiming to ask as many questions as possible within the given time.
E. Encourage participants to ask thought-provoking questions that require quick thinking and creative responses.
F. After 2 minutes, ask participants to switch roles and repeat the process.
G. Facilitate a brief discussion about the energizer, asking participants how it made them feel and if it helped stimulate their ideas.
III. Energizer 2: "Word Association" (10 minutes)
A. Explain that this energizer involves free association with words.
B. Ask participants to form a circle.
C. Write a random word on the flipchart or whiteboard.
D. Instruct the first participant to quickly say the first word that comes to mind related to the written word.
E. The next participant must then say a word associated with the previous word, and so on, creating a chain of word associations.
F. Encourage participants to respond rapidly without overthinking.
G. If a participant hesitates or repeats a word, they are out of the game, and the circle continues until only one participant remains.
H. Facilitate a brief discussion about the energizer, asking participants how it helped them think creatively and make connections.
IV. Energizer 3: "Mind Mapping" (10 minutes)
A. Explain that this energizer involves creating a mind map as a group.
B. Divide participants into small groups of 4-6 people.
C. Provide each group with sticky notes or index cards and markers.
D. Assign a topic related to the ministry or meeting agenda.
E. Instruct each group to write the topic in the center of a blank sheet and brainstorm related ideas, writing each idea on a separate sticky note or index card.
F. Encourage participants to think freely and generate as many ideas as possible within a given time frame (e.g., 5 minutes).
G. After the time is up, ask each group to present their mind map to the whole group, explaining their thought process and ideas.
H. Facilitate a brief discussion about the energizer, asking participants how it helped them generate ideas and collaborate effectively.
V. Conclusion (5 minutes)
A. Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson plan.
B. Emphasize the importance of incorporating energizers at the start of meetings to enhance participant engagement and creativity.
C. Encourage ministry leaders to experiment with different energizers and adapt them to suit their specific ministry or team.
D. Thank participants for their active participation.
What Do You Meme? - A Lesson Plan for Ministry Leaders
Objective: To encourage self-reflection and self-expression among ministry leaders through the use of popular memes, fostering a deeper understanding of personal values and leadership styles.
Duration: 60 minutes
Materials:
- A projector or screen for displaying memes (these can also be printed and placed around the room)
- A collection of popular memes (ensure they are appropriate and non-offensive)
- Whiteboard or flipchart
- Markers
- Handouts with reflection questions (optional)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
a. Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the session: to explore personal values and leadership styles through the use of memes.
b. Share a brief definition of memes and their significance in contemporary culture.
c. Emphasize that this activity is meant to be light-hearted and fun, while also encouraging self-reflection.
2. Icebreaker Activity: Guess the Meme (10 minutes)
a. Display a series of popular memes on the screen, one at a time.
b. Ask participants to guess the meaning or context of each meme.
c. Encourage participants to share their thoughts and interpretations, fostering engagement and discussion.
3. Sharing Personal Memes (15 minutes)
a. Instruct participants to either bring in their favorite memes or ask them to choose from the collection provided.
b. Allow participants to take turns sharing their chosen memes with the group.
c. After each participant shares their meme, ask them to briefly explain why they chose it and how it relates to their personality or leadership style.
d. Encourage open and respectful discussion among participants, allowing them to ask questions or share their thoughts on each meme.
4. Reflection Questions (20 minutes)
a. Distribute handouts with a series of reflection questions related to personal values and leadership styles.
b. Instruct participants to take some time to reflect individually on the questions.
c. After reflection, divide participants into small groups (3-4 people) to discuss their answers and insights.
d. Facilitate a group discussion by inviting each group to share their key takeaways and any common themes that emerged.
Sample Reflection Questions:
- How does your chosen meme reflect your personal values or beliefs?
- In what ways does your meme align with your leadership style?
- What strengths or qualities do you possess that are represented by your meme?
- Are there any areas for growth or improvement that your meme highlights?
- How can you incorporate the essence of your meme into your ministry leadership?
5. Conclusion and Application (10 minutes)
a. Summarize the key insights and themes discussed during the reflection activity.
b. Encourage participants to consider how they can apply their newfound self-awareness and understanding of their leadership style in their ministry roles.
c. Provide an opportunity for participants to share any action steps or commitments they are willing to make based on their reflections.
Note: It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment throughout the session, ensuring that participants feel comfortable sharing their chosen memes and personal reflections.
Utilizing Shared Goals as an Opener to Ministry Meetings
Objective: Ministry leaders will learn how to effectively use shared goals as an engaging and interactive opener to their meetings, fostering collaboration and alignment among team members.
Duration: 20 minutes
Materials:
- Large posters or flip charts
- Markers
- Sticky notes
- Pens/pencils
Procedure:
1. Introduction (2 minutes)
a. Welcome participants and briefly explain the importance of setting shared goals as an opener to meetings.
b. Emphasize the benefits of fostering collaboration, alignment, and a sense of purpose among team members.
2. Setting the Stage (3 minutes)
a. Display posters around the room, each labeled with a specific topic: "Goals," "Giving Campaigns," and "Values."
b. Explain that participants will have the opportunity to contribute their goals, values, or actions related to achieving these goals.
3. Goal Sharing (5 minutes)
a. Instruct participants to walk around the room and add their goals or values to the respective posters using sticky notes.
b. Encourage participants to be specific and concise in their contributions.
c. Emphasize that goals can be short-term or long-term, individual or team-oriented.
4. Group Discussion (5 minutes)
a. Facilitate a brief discussion by asking participants to share one goal they added to the posters.
b. Encourage participants to explain why they chose that goal and how it aligns with the ministry's mission.
c. Allow for open dialogue and questions among participants.
5. Action Steps (3 minutes)
a. Ask participants to identify one action they are currently taking or plan to take to achieve their goals.
b. Encourage participants to write their actions on sticky notes and add them to the respective posters.
c. Emphasize the importance of accountability and tracking progress towards these actions.
6. Reflection and Closing (2 minutes)
a. Ask participants to take a moment to review the goals, values, and actions shared on the posters.
b. Facilitate a brief discussion on the commonalities and connections observed among the contributions.
c. Conclude the session by highlighting the importance of shared goals in fostering a unified and purpose-driven ministry.
Note: Adjust the time allocated for each section based on the number of participants and the depth of discussion. Encourage participants to continue the conversation beyond this session and revisit the shared goals during subsequent meetings.
Paper Airplane Problem Solving as a Meeting Opener
Objective: To teach ministry leaders how to use paper airplane problem solving as a meeting opener to encourage active participation, creative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving among participants.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Materials:
- Pieces of paper (one per participant)
- Writing utensils (one per participant)
- Space with a circle formation for participants to stand or sit
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
a. Greet the participants and briefly explain the purpose of the activity.
b. Emphasize the importance of problem-solving skills and collaboration within ministry leadership.
c. Explain that this activity will encourage participants to think creatively and work together to solve problems.
2. Instructions for Paper Airplane Problem Solving (5 minutes)
a. Distribute a piece of paper and a writing utensil to each participant.
b. Instruct participants to write down a problem they are currently facing in their work or ministry on the piece of paper.
c. Encourage participants to be specific and concise in describing their problem.
d. Once everyone has written their problem, instruct them to fold their paper into a paper airplane.
e. Explain that the purpose of folding the paper into an airplane is to create an element of fun and randomness in the activity.
3. Paper Airplane Toss (10 minutes)
a. Ask participants to stand or sit in a circle, ensuring there is enough space for everyone to comfortably throw their airplanes into the center.
b. Instruct participants to simultaneously throw their paper airplanes into the center of the circle.
c. Encourage participants to mix up the airplanes by picking up a different one than the one they initially threw.
d. Repeat this process a few times until no one knows whose airplane is whose.
4. Opening and Problem-Solving Discussion (20 minutes)
a. Ask participants to take turns opening the paper airplanes they picked up.
b. As each participant opens an airplane, ask them to read the problem aloud to the group.
c. Facilitate a guided discussion by asking the following questions:
- What are your initial thoughts or reactions to this problem?
- Has anyone experienced a similar problem before? How did you handle it?
- What are some possible solutions or strategies to address this problem?
- How can we support each other in implementing these solutions?
d. Encourage participants to actively listen, offer suggestions, and engage in constructive dialogue.
e. Summarize the key points and potential solutions discussed during the session.
5. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)
a. Thank the participants for their active participation and contributions.
b. Highlight the importance of collaboration and creative problem-solving within ministry leadership.
c. Encourage participants to continue seeking support from one another and implementing the discussed solutions.
d. Ask participants to reflect on what they have learned from this activity and how they can apply it to their work or ministry.
Note: It is essential to create a safe and respectful environment during the discussion, ensuring that participants feel comfortable sharing their problems and ideas.
Creating Personal Mission Statements for Ministry Leaders
Objective: To help ministry leaders align their personal mission statements with the goal of a guided giving campaign in a creative and engaging way.
Duration: 60 minutes
Materials:
- Whiteboard or flipchart
- Markers
- Sticky notes
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.)
- Presentation equipment (projector, screen, etc.)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by explaining the importance of personal mission statements in guiding individuals towards their goals.
- Emphasize that personal mission statements can help ministry leaders align their actions and decisions with the overall goal of a guided giving campaign.
- Highlight the benefits of having a clear personal mission statement, such as increased focus, motivation, and effectiveness.
2. Guided Discussion (10 minutes):
- Facilitate a discussion on the purpose and importance of the guided giving campaign.
- Encourage ministry leaders to share their thoughts and insights on how the campaign aligns with the ministry's mission and vision.
- Discuss the desired outcomes of the campaign and how it will impact the ministry's growth and ability to serve the community.
3. Brainstorming Activity (15 minutes):
- Divide the ministry leaders into small groups of 3-4 individuals.
- Provide each group with sticky notes and markers.
- Instruct the groups to brainstorm keywords, phrases, or values that resonate with the guided giving campaign and the ministry's mission.
- Encourage creativity and open-mindedness during the brainstorming process.
- Each group should write their ideas on separate sticky notes and stick them on the whiteboard or flipchart.
4. Personal Reflection (10 minutes):
- Ask each ministry leader to take a few moments to reflect on the brainstormed ideas and identify the ones that resonate with them personally.
- Instruct them to choose the top three keywords, phrases, or values that align with their own beliefs and aspirations.
- Provide art supplies and encourage them to create a visual representation of their chosen keywords, phrases, or values.
5. Presentation and Sharing (20 minutes):
- Ask each ministry leader to present their visual representation and explain how it aligns with their personal mission.
- Encourage them to share personal stories or experiences that have shaped their mission.
- Allow time for questions, comments, and feedback from the rest of the group.
- Emphasize the importance of supporting and encouraging each other in their personal missions.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
- Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
- Highlight the importance of aligning personal missions with the guided giving campaign to create a unified and motivated team.
- Encourage ministry leaders to regularly revisit and refine their personal mission statements as they progress through the campaign.
- Express gratitude for their participation and commitment to the ministry's mission.
Note: This lesson plan can be adapted to suit the specific needs and context of your ministry.
Three Fun and Quick Icebreakers to Engage Your Team
Objective: To engage and energize participants at the beginning of a ministry team meeting, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Materials:
1. Flipchart or whiteboard
2. Markers
3. Sticky notes or index cards
4. Timer or stopwatch
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
a. Welcome participants and briefly explain the purpose of the lesson plan.
b. Emphasize the importance of creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere at the beginning of each ministry team meeting.
c. Share the objectives of the lesson plan.
2. Icebreaker 1: "Two Truths and a Lie" (5 minutes)
a. Explain the rules of the game: Each participant will share three statements about themselves, two of which are true, and one is a lie.
b. Model an example by sharing your own "Two Truths and a Lie."
c. Ask participants to write down their own "Two Truths and a Lie" on sticky notes or index cards.
d. Collect the cards and read them aloud, allowing the team to guess which statement is the lie.
e. Reveal the correct answers and encourage participants to share interesting stories or details related to their statements.
3. Icebreaker 2: "Emoji Charades" (5 minutes)
a. Explain that participants will take turns acting out an emoji without speaking, while others guess what it represents.
b. Write down a list of emojis on the flipchart or whiteboard.
c. Set a timer for one minute for each participant's turn.
d. Begin the game by acting out an emoji yourself, and have the team guess what it represents.
e. Continue the game, allowing each participant a turn to act out an emoji.
f. Encourage laughter and a relaxed atmosphere during the game.
4. Icebreaker 3: "One-Word Story" (5 minutes)
a. Explain that the team will create a story together, with each participant contributing one word at a time.
b. Start the story with a simple sentence, such as "Once upon a time, there was a..."
c. Ask the first participant to add one word to the story, and continue clockwise around the group.
d. Encourage participants to be creative and build upon the story with each word.
e. Set a timer for one minute for each participant's turn to keep the story flowing.
f. Conclude the story after a few rounds or when it reaches a natural ending point.
g. Reflect on the collaborative effort and creativity displayed during the activity.
5. Conclusion (5 minutes)
a. Summarize the importance of starting ministry team meetings with fun and quick icebreakers to foster a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
b. Encourage participants to suggest and lead future icebreakers to keep the meetings engaging and enjoyable.
c. Thank the participants for their active participation and conclude the lesson plan.
Note: Adjust the duration of each icebreaker activity based on the size of the ministry team and the available meeting time.
Building a Unified Team: Puzzle Pieces of Mission and Reflection
Objective:
By the end of this lesson, participants will understand the importance of teamwork and how individual contributions align with the team's mission or goals. They will also have an opportunity for self-reflection on their role within the team.
Materials:
- Puzzle pieces (one per participant)
- Markers or pens
- Large table or floor space for assembling the puzzle
- Flipchart or whiteboard
- Reflection worksheets (optional)
Duration: 60 minutes
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
a. Greet participants and explain the purpose of the lesson.
b. Emphasize the significance of teamwork and how individual contributions contribute to the team's success.
c. Introduce the puzzle activity as a metaphor for the team's mission or goals.
2. Puzzle Piece Activity (30 minutes)
a. Distribute one puzzle piece to each participant.
b. Instruct participants to write a word or phrase on their puzzle piece that represents their role, skills, or values that contribute to the team's mission or goals.
c. Encourage participants to be creative and thoughtful in their choices.
d. Allow participants 10-15 minutes to complete their puzzle pieces.
e. Collect the puzzle pieces from participants.
3. Assembling the Puzzle (15 minutes)
a. Lay out the puzzle pieces on a large table or floor space.
b. Invite participants to come forward and place their puzzle piece in the correct position to complete the puzzle.
c. Facilitate a discussion about how each puzzle piece represents an essential aspect of the team's mission or goals.
d. Highlight the interdependence and interconnectedness of the team members' roles.
4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)
a. Provide participants with reflection worksheets (optional) or ask them to reflect silently.
b. Ask participants to consider the following questions:
- How did it feel to see the puzzle come together?
- What did you learn about the importance of teamwork and individual contributions?
- Did anything surprise you about the puzzle pieces or the team's mission?
c. Facilitate a group discussion, allowing participants to share their reflections and insights.
d. Summarize the key takeaways from the activity and emphasize the importance of collaboration and understanding individual roles within the team.
5. Conclusion (5 minutes)
a. Thank participants for their active participation and engagement.
b. Reiterate the significance of teamwork and how each person's contribution is vital to achieving the team's mission or goals.
c. Encourage participants to continue reflecting on their roles within the team and finding ways to support and collaborate with one another.
Note: Adapt the duration and activities as needed based on the size and dynamics of your team.
Connecting Puzzle Pieces: Quick Introduction Activity (Shortened Version)
Objective:
By the end of this quick introduction activity, participants will have a basic understanding of how their individual contributions tie together to achieve the team's mission or goals.
Materials:
- Puzzle pieces (one per participant)
- Markers or pens
Duration: 10 minutes
Procedure:
1. Introduction (2 minutes)
a. Greet participants and briefly explain the purpose of the activity.
b. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and how individual contributions contribute to the team's success.
2. Puzzle Piece Activity (7 minutes)
a. Distribute one puzzle piece and a marker or pen to each participant.
b. Instruct participants to write a word or phrase on their puzzle piece that represents their role, skills, or values that contribute to the team's mission or goals.
c. Encourage participants to be concise and thoughtful in their choices.
d. Allow participants 3-4 minutes to complete their puzzle pieces.
e. Collect the puzzle pieces from participants.
3. Conclusion (1 minute)
a. Gather the puzzle pieces and briefly explain that they represent the individual contributions of each team member.
b. Highlight the importance of collaboration and how these puzzle pieces will come together to achieve the team's mission or goals.
c. Thank participants for their active participation and engagement.
Note: This quick introduction activity provides a basic understanding of the concept. For a more in-depth exploration, refer to the previous lesson plan.
Group Storytelling: Quick Introduction Activity for Ministry Leaders during a Giving Campaign
Objective: To quickly introduce ministry leaders to each other and create a sense of unity and collaboration during a giving campaign.
Instructions:
1. Divide the ministry leaders into small groups of 4-6 people.
2. Provide each group with a prompt related to the giving campaign, such as "Share a personal experience that inspired you to give" or "Tell a story about a time when you witnessed the impact of generosity."
3. Set a time limit of 5 minutes for each group to create a story based on the prompt. Encourage them to be creative and think outside the box.
4. Each person in the group takes turns adding a sentence or two to the story, building on what the previous person said. They should aim to complete the story within the time limit.
5. After the time is up, each group presents their story to the rest of the participants.
6. Facilitate a brief discussion by asking questions like, "What themes or values emerged from your stories?" or "How can we apply these stories to inspire giving during the campaign?"
7. Conclude the activity by highlighting the power of storytelling in connecting people and fostering a sense of purpose and unity within the ministry.
Benefits:
1. Quick introduction: This activity allows ministry leaders to quickly get to know each other by sharing personal experiences and stories related to the giving campaign.
2. Collaboration: By working together to create a story, participants learn to collaborate and build relationships with one another.
3. Inspiration: Hearing different stories can inspire and motivate ministry leaders to actively participate in the giving campaign.
4. Unity: Sharing stories creates a sense of unity and common purpose among the ministry leaders, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
5. Engagement: This activity encourages active participation and engagement from all participants, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute and be heard.
Note: It's important to choose prompts that are relevant to the giving campaign and align with the ministry's values and goals.
Final Reflection Activity
Congratulations on completing the course on Effective Entrance Strategies and Activities! As you reflect on your learning journey, we invite you to engage in a reflective activity using the DONOR Framework. This activity will help you consolidate your understanding and apply the concepts learned throughout the course. Please take some time to reflect on each letter of the framework: D for Dominate, O for Obstacles, N for Needs, O for Opportunities, and R for Resolution.
D - Dominate:
Reflect on your role as a leader or facilitator in team meetings. How can you assertively set the tone and purpose of introductory activities? Consider specific strategies or techniques you have learned that can help you establish a positive and engaging environment.
O - Obstacles:
Think about potential obstacles or challenges that may arise when implementing introductory activities. What resistance or skepticism might you encounter from team members? How can you address these concerns proactively and emphasize the benefits of these activities?
N - Needs:
Consider the needs of your team members. How can you gather their input and preferences regarding introductory activities? Reflect on the importance of actively listening and valuing their perspectives to tailor these activities to meet their specific needs.
O - Opportunities:
Reflect on the opportunities that arise from incorporating introductory activities. How can these activities enhance collaboration, problem-solving, and team cohesion? Consider specific examples or scenarios where these activities can unlock the full potential of your team.
R - Resolution:
Develop a concrete action plan to implement and sustain introductory activities in your team meetings. How will you establish clear guidelines, provide a variety of activity options, and regularly evaluate their effectiveness? Reflect on the importance of establishing a feedback loop to address concerns and foster continuous improvement within your team.
Take your time to reflect on each aspect of the DONOR Framework and write down your thoughts, insights, and action steps. This reflection activity will help you solidify your understanding and enable you to apply the concepts learned in a practical manner. Remember, reflection is a powerful tool for growth and development.
We hope this activity provides you with a valuable opportunity to reflect on your learning and encourages you to implement introductory activities in your future team meetings. Thank you for your dedication and participation throughout the course. Best wishes for your continued success!
Thank You for Being Part of the DonorWerx Family
On behalf of the entire team at DonorWerx, I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your participation in the recent course on entrance activities to build community amongst ministry leaders. Your commitment to personal and professional growth is truly commendable, and we are thrilled to have had you as a part of this program.
We would also like to extend a special thank you for utilizing the DonorWerx framework throughout the course. We firmly believe that DonorWerx is the best platform for guided giving campaigns in the business, and your choice to incorporate it into your ministry's activities is a testament to your dedication to excellence. The DonorWerx framework offers a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to fundraising, enabling ministries like yours to effectively engage with donors and build lasting relationships.
Throughout the course, we witnessed your enthusiasm and commitment to learning, and we are confident that the knowledge and skills you have gained will greatly benefit your ministry. However, we understand that there may be areas where you would like to delve deeper and receive more personalized guidance. We strongly encourage you to consider seeking individual coaching for more in-depth instruction. Our team of experienced coaches is ready to provide you with tailored support and help you maximize the potential of your ministry's community-building efforts.
Once again, thank you for your active participation and for choosing to invest in your personal and professional development. We are honored to have had the opportunity to work with you, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will make within your ministry and the wider community.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Stu Baker
Morgan Dempsey-Brookhart
Gavin Globensky