As a creative/innovative leader I find that my mind is always rolling with ideas. It has become very easy for me to toss out an idea that I’ve not thought about more than 30 seconds. I could make the idea work… but I won’t be able to sell if very well.

My pastor recently told me that when something is written down it’s more likely to be accepted. I’ve found that to be true, when I come in with a finished proposal for my leaders, colleagues or even my volunteers… they USUALLY accept it without must hesitation.

I recently read this about Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 2:5 I said to the king, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”6 Then the king said to me, the queen sitting beside him, “How long will your journey be, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I gave him a definite time.

Notice that Nehemiah had a definite answer for the king’s question.

Usually, for music pastors and other creative leaders, we have expensive plans. So be encouraged that you CAN hear a “yes” to your project… but you’re more likely to hear it if you have a plan.

Questions to help you with creating your plan:

What do I need to complete this project?

Can I do it all at one time or do I need to do it in phases? How many?

Is this something I can complete by myself? Do I need volunteer? Do I need to pay anyone?

How much will it cost for materials and labor? Labor will cost more than you THINK.

Do I have any alternatives? Have the alternatives you’re okay with in the proposal, have the ones you’re not fond of, but can live with ready and on hand.

Tips for creating your plan:

Don’t involve anyone that you don’t need to involve. If you bring it to staff meeting prior to a solid plan, it WILL NOT look like your vision when you finish it.

Write it down. If you receive information and forget it, then you’re wasting time. Centralize you project information in a word doc, spreadsheet or use Evernote (like me!).

Budget some cushion, but hide it. Don’t budget a “incase I missed something” line item. But, try to have some wiggle room. Add a few dollars (or a few hundred) to your line items.

Find a church that has done something similar and ask them questions about their success. What you’ve never done is something you know nothing about… find someone who knows what reality is. The philosophy you have on something you’ve never experienced is actually more of a guesstimation!

PRAY. God knows all. He can provide you with the best insight. He probably won’t give you details. So listen for the no, slow or go.