Our Planning Weekend

When you work for a faith-based non-profit, your private and professional lives have little separation.  For instance, did you know that if you work for our ministry and are involved in immorality or a felony you are at risk of immediate dismissal?  I just learned that.  Mike works in Leadership Development for the Campus Ministry and, sadly, is sometimes involved in conversations about someone’s “private, personal life” playing out in daily ministry.  Why?  It’s an issue of character, integrity, and living out Godly, biblical values.

Our ministry encourages staff to take a weekend to evaluate the trajectory of their life and/or marriage, identify areas to work on, and set goals for the next six months.  It’s a way to help people grow in their personal lives.  Doesn’t that sound healthy?  It’s like a check-up, or an oil change.

While an entire weekend is recommended to work through the suggested goal-setting worksheets, you can modify it for an overnight trip, or even a few hours at a coffee shop.  The idea is to give focused attention to different aspects of your life in order to identify growth areas.

In spite of this healthy, wonderful habit encouraged by our “corporate culture,” I have yet to meet anyone who takes full advantage of it.  I only took one planning weekend during my 10+ years as a single woman on staff, and the last time Mike and I sat down to "make plans" for our life was when we planned our wedding a year and a half ago.  

So, armed with suggested questions for reflection and discussion, Mike and I scheduled a weekend away in September.   We didn’t stick to the outline, or even use all the questions, but we made major progress in identifying pitfalls and admitting weaknesses.  We set measurable goals for growth.  And that feels pretty good. 

Our next “check-up” just happens to be around our 2^nd anniversary in March, which seems like a poignant time to re-evaluate and make sure we are headed in the same direction.

Not a bad way to spend a weekend.

Want a copy of the suggested outline with discussion and reflection questions?  Email me and I'll send the attachment.  There's an outline for married couples and one for single people.

Married and want to refocus on your marriage?  Our next blog update will let you know about a special offer from Family Life, CCC's ministry offering help for today and hope for tomorrow.