Camps - Who Takes Care of the People Who Take Care of the People?

We have identified 100 factors that can contribute to the success of a Christian Camp. It is part of our "Keys to Camp Excellence Program". While the factors may have been designed to assist camps that want to build a reputation as excellent camps, they can assist your organization too.

One of ten areas we identified, as contributing to the successful organization was how it took care of its CEO. You may have another name for this person like Managing Director or Administrator, but they are the point-person for the organization. In our smaller non-profits, they wear many hats. Here are five of the ten CEO factors to pay attention to that will affect your organization. Taking care of the people will contribute to taking care of the ministry. 

1. The CEO has a group of people committed to specifically praying for him or her.

Today's Christian leader should not be under any illusion that they or their organization can be successful apart from prayer. God in His wisdom has deigned to do His work in response to the prayers of His people. Any work not prayer initiated and sustained stands a good chance of being hollow and ineffective for the advancement of the cause of Christ. The number one key for a healthy leader is prayer support. Don't kid yourself otherwise. 

2. The CEO works reasonable hours and then takes time off to be with family and renew and refresh.

Being able to say you are busy is no sign of quality leadership. The point people for your organization may work themselves into a frazzle. Far too many Christian leaders do. Reasonable hours with time to regroup and be with family will contribute far more to accomplishing goals than will the potentially ineffective work of a leader who has worked far too many hours and doesn't know how to stop.

3. The CEO has plenty of time to think about and work on the ministry's future direction and development. 

Dreaming is good. We need men and women of great vision, who can prayerfully set the tone for the future. Some organizations are in maintenance mode because the leader doesn't have the time to dream and think, others because the leadership is only daydreaming. Developing vision takes time. It cannot always be rushed or accomplished in some special strategy session on a Saturday afternoon.

4. The CEO is financially stable and is remunerated adequately. 

Is it a given that Christian leaders should have to struggle to keep up? I'm not talking about the highly visible leadership with substantive budgets, but those who work in the smaller Christian non-profits. Check to see if they have enough money to pay their bills. Understand if they are good money managers. 
Don't leave them on their own to serve the goals of the organization while suffering silently with mounting bills.

5. The CEO has a forum to express their personal concerns, be heard and get assistance.

Where can the leader be heard? Where can they say they are overwhelmed, hurting at home or financially strapped? Boards and care support don't always have to have the answers but they do need to listen. It is lonely at the top. Leaders often remain silent because they know many people who would be in a position to give them support will view it as complaining, weakness, poor management or making accusations. Make sure your Board or somebody takes the time to ask them questions, let them tell their story and give them the support of a caring understanding ear. Listen carefully and they will let you know what is needed.
GW

If you are interested in our Keys to Camp Excellence Program, contact Gary at gary@gewood.com or Judy at judy@judysantos.com.