I ask a lot of questions when I work with churches and ministers. As we evaluate ministry effectiveness and look toward next steps, the most common question I'll ask is "Why?"

What's your "why?" for this program; what's your "why?" for this element of worship; what's your "why?" for this committee?

It consistently amazes me how many churches have lost connection with the "why?" of so many things they are doing, and sometimes even the "why?" of their church's existence. 

It's been interesting to see the rising focus on "the why" in ministry, in business, in all sorts of areas lately. Much of it has been sparked by Simon Sinek's TED Talk, as well as his book, Start with Why.

This language of what vs. how vs. why has become more common, especially with the rise of Gen X as senior leadership in many of our churches, along with the great influx of Millennials in all of our workplaces. If you can't answer "Why?" for them, you're going to lose them before you even begin.

So why does "Why?" matter so much? (How's that for a question within a question?)

I was recently introduced to this comic's routine that included some audience participation, which paints the best picture I've ever seen of how the "Why?" changes everything ...

Knowing your why makes all the difference. How might you reconnect with your why this week and revitalize a program, ministry or even an interaction with someone?

Reconnecting with your why is at the center of my work in coaching and consulting. I would love to talk more with you about how I can help you take your ministry to the next level. You can always email me at hello@revmelissacooper.com, or connect with me on Facebook.