At this point, the following items have been completed by the participant:
- Registered in the NextStep process online
- You have been assigned as the participant’s catalyst
- The NextStep leadership team has informed the participant that you will serve as his catalyst
- The participant has been told he can expect to hear from you
- The participant only has access to Step 1 – Commit to Lead
- Online instructions direct the participant to start completing assessments, evaluations, and their profile
Now you’re ready to make contact and schedule the initial meeting.
Making Arrangements for the Initial Meeting
Ideally, the first contact should be made in the form of a brief phone call.
Introduce yourself as the assigned Catalyst for the NextStep process. The purpose of the call is to establish contact and set an appointment for your initial face-to-face meeting. Have meeting locations ready to suggest that would be mutually convenient.
The meeting should be at a location that provides a calm, relaxed setting and provides an atmosphere where private conversation can take place easily. Schedule at least 60 minutes for the initial meeting.
Demonstrate Preparedness
Arriving early and being prepared for the meeting conveys value, importance, and significance to the ministry leader. MODEL WHAT IS EXPECTED.
Objective
The objective is to establish rapport and a relational connection between the participant and the Catalyst.
Session Time: 60–90 minutes
Begin the Session
The first meeting is an opportunity to get to know a colleague in ministry where rapport should be established. Be intentional during the first 15 minutes to establish a relational connection.
Ask the ministry leader if there are questions, concerns, or issues he would like to discuss at the beginning of the session. Determine if the things he mentions should be addressed immediately, at the end of the session, or will be discussed at a point further along in the process. This gives him an opportunity to add to the agenda and make the session relevant to his immediate needs. Remember, you are here for his benefit.
Be mindful that there is an agenda that needs to be addressed during this session.
Although the meeting should be relaxed and mutually engaging, do not forget the purpose of the meeting. Transition the discussion by letting the ministry leader know you are interested in learning about him and his ministry.
Ask the ministry leader to share his testimony. Ask about his:
- Salvation experience (3–5 minutes)
- Call to ministry (3–5 minutes)
- Call experience to his current church (3–5 minutes)
As the participant shares his testimony, listen for unwavering confidence, resolve, and certainty. These three experiences must provide the necessary foundation on which to build a ministry. If there is hesitation, uncertainty, or lack of specifics, this area must be addressed in the first one-on-one session.
Try to learn as much information as you can that goes beyond a surface friendship. Ask probing questions that require more than a yes or no response.
Be open, honest, and transparent as you introduce yourself. Share both personal and professional information. Be vulnerable to the extent that you are comfortable sharing insightful information to connect and relate.
Assignments for the Participant
At the conclusion of the initial meeting, direct the participant to complete the following online:
- NextStep Profile
- NextStep Snapshot 1
- Personal Readiness Evaluation
- Ask 6-10 key leaders in your ministry to complete the Ministry Readiness Evaluation
- Uniquely You Personality & Spiritual Gifts Profile online and upload results
The Annual Church Profile 10 Year Report and MissionInsight Demographic Report will be uploaded by the SCBC NextStep leadership team.
In order to be prepared for the next meeting and to develop The Personal Profile of the participant and his ministry, all assignments must be completed in advance of the next meeting.
Encourage the participant to register for The Art of Asking Questions seminar.
Set the date, time, and location of the next meeting. The next meeting should be at least 30-60 days following the initial meeting to allow the participant and key ministry leaders to complete the assignments. This will also allow adequate time for you to prepare The Personal Profile. Allow 2 hours for the next meeting.
Let the ministry leader know the next session is dependent upon each of these assignments being completed as quickly as possible.
Conclude the meeting with prayer and depart.
After the Meeting
As soon as possible following the meeting, take a moment to write down impressions, thoughts, reactions, and ideas that were produced as a result of the meeting.
- Did the participant articulate a clear and compelling salvation experience?
- Did the participant articulate a clear and compelling call-to-ministry experience?
- Did the participant articulate a clear and compelling call experience to their current ministry location?
- What hobbies, interests, or means of reducing stress does the participant have?
- What did you learn about the participant’s family and support system?
- What insight did you gain about the participant’s ministry?
- What other information did you learn that was worth noting?
Your Commitment as a Catalyst:
PRAY
- Daily for the ministry leader and his church
- For key leaders and church staff who serve with the ministry leader
- For God to provide wisdom and clarity in the life of the ministry leader
- For your upcoming appointments with the ministry leader and for God to guide and direct those occasions