Maurilio Amorim

Month: November 2010

  • What’s Your Church’s First Message?

    We all want to believe we are friendly. I’ve never been to a church that said, “we’re not friendly.” Well, I take that back. I once visited with a minister who said “we’re not a very friendly congregation.” And boy, he meant it. But usually churches I work with are evangelical protestant congregations with a heart for those outside the faith. Such churches want newcomers to feel welcomed and go through great lengths to create environments that say, “we’re glad you here.” But sometimes there’s a disconnect between what happens inside and what people see on the outside.

    Recently I saw this sign outside a church’s front door:

    Unfriendly Church Sign

    In principle I don’t have a problem with a church not wanting people to eat, talk on the phone or even chew gum. Ok, I have a problem with not being able to chew gum at church. But should that be the first message someone new to your church sees? Is that the most important thing you want to tell a person outside the faith before they even get into the building? Come on, now.

    Churches can spend a lot of effort and money on special services, websites and marketing materials only to have a small, ill-conceived sign ruin the experience for someone new. You might see it as an inconsequential detail. I believe it’s a consequential fail. When was the last time you walked around your church building with someone new and really took inventory of what you’re communicating?

    Am I being over sensitive? What’s the first message someone new “sees” as they come to your church?

  • Fast Forward Deployment and Your Online Project

    The social media revolution has forced traditional journalism to rethink its most basic premise: a well researched, well developed and thoroughly checked news story. We don’t want to wait for weeks or even days for a news story. We want it within hours of it breaking, minutes would be best.  Journalists have even coined a new name for it: fast forward journalism. It’s a fast, unstructured post, and with just the facts that are available at the moment, giving its audience enough information to get them up to speed. I believe online development needs its own fast forward approach.

    Fast Forward web develepmont

    Not long ago I sat in a room filled with engineers working on a spec document for an online tool. We worked for a solid week. The engineers were trying to account for every potential user scenario and exception. I was fighting for simplicity and quick deployment. I had not given my process a name yet, but I’m calling fast forward development.

    The reason start ups are more likely to create tools we love to use is because they often start with a simple idea and deploy it quickly, cost effectively and then allow users input to change and grow the product. Facebook is a great example of something that started small and focused (Harvard students only at first) then grew to other schools and now has over 500 million members.

    Too often we take our analog reasoning into a digital project and kill it before it even has a chance to live.

    Whether you’re developing a new website, an online ministry tool, or an e-commerce solution, consider the following:

    What’s the absolutely minimum number of features this project  should have? The wisdom here is to create a tool that is useful but it has no more than it needs to have for a successful launch. If you don’t give your users enough, it will fail. They will not check back to see if you have finished the site. If you try to give them too much you run the risk of scope creep, timeline delays, costs overruns–and all of it before your target audience has a chance to tell you that your most resource-intensive feature was not worth the extra time and money.

    How fast can we launch? Currently my team at The A Group is working on a few large and quite complex projects. But even on these projects we timeline weeks of development as opposed to months.

    Digital platforms are alive and they can, and should, change often. The sooner we realize that there is no perfection when it comes to the digital domain, the sooner we’ll become effective software developers. Technology, attitudes and opportunities chance fast. In order to be relevant and even survive, so should your program.

    What do you think of the “fast forward development” approach?

  • Friendship Blinders Could Cost You a Lot

    You probably have all the friends you “need” in life. Perhaps if you have even more of your share of close relationships and you cannot even manage the ones you have well. So, if you’re like most, you go on about your life with relational blinders on. No, you’re not rude or aloof, but you unconsciously developed the attitude that communicates, “while you might be a nice person, I’ve gotten all the friends I need.”  I wish you would reconsider.

    Your Friendship

    When you allow your story to intersect someone else’s story in a meaningful way something special happens. I believe God brings a new friendship into our lives sometimes for a short season, sometimes for a lifetime to enrich both lives. When we fail to seize the opportunity to engage someone new, to ask a second question that will lead into a longer, more meaningful conversation, and we retreat into our overly scheduled lives, we miss out on a blessing. Some of the people whose lives have deeply impacted my own I have met in chance meetings where I could have easily missed the opportunity to engage. I’m so thankful I didn’t.

    Today as you sit in church or go about your business I want to challenge you to be aware of the people God places in your path. This is not about being an extrovert, seeking out every new face you run across and making small talk. But I want you and I to be present, to live in the moment, engaged. I want to be able to look people in the eye and realize that their story might be part of mine, to be aware that the stranger I have just met, could one day become a dear friend. After all, a stranger is just a friend we have not yet met.

    How hard is for you to make new friends?

  • Not All Blessings Are Created Equal

    I didn’t grow up with thanksgiving day as a holiday. Christmas season in Brazil officially begins sometime in early November and goes on until January 6, Kings’ Day. Yes, that’s traditionally the day the Catholic church celebrates the Magi arriving in Bethlehem. But growing up,  Thanksgiving day celebration was relegated to a couple of children’s choirs singing at a local mall and a blip on the news. Brazilians are missing out, and as I stopped to take inventory of all my blessings today, something stood out on my list.

    Thanksgiving 2010 Maurilio Amorim

    This morning I joined several friends early and ran the Boulevard Bolt, a 5-mile race through Belle Meade Boulevard, my familiar running route. I rushed home and cooked a 22 lb turkey, 12 lbs of mash potato and lots of other goodies to celebrate with family and friends from far and near.

    As I prayed before the bounteous, tryptophan-laden and coma-inducing meal began, I was reminded of my blessings. But with all the abundance around me, I’m most thankful for the people God has put in my life. While I’m so appreciative of all the material possessions and comforts I have, my family and friends are what make me smile and look forward to getting up another day.

    I even have friends I have not yet met face-to-face whom I feel a bond to. I know that sounds weird to some, but I consider some people I’ve met online as true friends. I really do.

    There’s a lot of things I cannot do, but in my limitation, I can be a friend and a thankful one. So, to my friends reading this post, I’m thankful for you, wherever you are.

    How was your thanksgiving? What did you do ?

  • Owning My Own Issues: A Confession

    Yesterday was a very busy, challenging day for me. I don’t know if you can relate to the type of day that seems to be hard to get through. It’s the kind of day that you realize you might just have too many plates up in the air and that some might be crashing soon. There were too many loose ends, too much ambiguity in the projects I was involved in, and not enough joy to celebrate the victories. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

    Owning my own Issues

    So this is not a “how to” blog. It’s just a confessional post.

    I’m going to own the responsibility for my crazy busy, joyless day. Maybe I’m over committed, or not sleeping enough, or not eating enough, or not eating enough of the right stuff, whatever. I’m not sure yet what the answer to my dilemma is, but I’m going to figure it out, and soon.

    But here’s what I’m not going to do. I’m not going to be in a bad mood and take it out on those around me. That’s usually what I do. I get hyper critical, irritable and question everything and everyone. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s not fun, I hear.

    So, I’m writing this for myself and for those who have to deal with me today.

    If you see me getting crabby today, please remind me of this post.

    How do you deal with frustration?

  • Before You Name or Rename Your Church

    A lot goes in a name. And a whole lot goes into naming or re-naming a church. I remember when my friend Frank Santora from Danbury, CT, renamed his church. They went from Bright Clouds Ministries (not an Indian reservation) to Faith Church. Well that was a big win for them. I don’t think anyone in congregation complained; again, why would they? One of the frequent questions I get from church leaders has to do with their church’s name. But before you go out  and change your congregation’s name, here are a few thoughts to consider:

    • Make sure you have a compelling reason to change the name. Name changes are traumatic. The older the congregation, the more emotional equity a name has. For example, it doesn’t make sense to be “Hunter Street Baptist Church” if you’re moving to Michigan Avenue. A name change is warranted here, or if your church name is Bright Clouds.
    • Location-specific names tie you to one location. Much like the previous example, if you are Haywood Lane Assembly of God and you want to start a satellite in another part of town than your name will not resonate with your new community.  If you ever relocate, that name will not work either. Think big, think far and don’t put unnecessary limits on your congregation by making it community specific.
    • Church names in foreign languages are confusing and come across pretentious. Imago Dei, Oikos Fellowship, Kaleo, Coram Deo unfortunately are real church names. I know some of these folks are going to wake up some day, maybe some already have, and say “What where we thinking?” If you have to explain the meaning of your church name you are in trouble.
    • Make sure people know you’re a church. Names like “Threshold” and “Inversion Fellowship” can mean a lot of different things. Don’t make people ask “What is it?” most will not do it anyway, they will just ignore you.
    • Use words that cannot be use negatively. There’s never a negative connotation for “Hope” or “Faith” these are positive words by definition. But what about “Locust Lane Chapel?” Well, the last time I check locusts were a plague. I know that might be the name of your town, but it’s still a plague.

    What about your church name. What does it communicate?

  • How Are You Wired for Creativity?

    Part of my work at The A Group focus on helping leaders, speakers and authors with the creative part of their jobs. Several of my clients are pastors of large congregations and ministries and part of my work is to help them develop teaching series ideas, book topics, titles and creative concepts for their ministries. Some believe that the creative process is as mysterious as a muse who descends upon humans at her will to impart inspiration. I must say I’ve had a few inspirational moments over the years, but most of my best creative work comes through a process that is not as much magical, as it is intentional.

    How are you wired creatively Maurilio Amorim

    I plan on writing more about the process in future posts, but before I can make any progress with a client, I need to understand his or her “creative style.” Usually most of my clients fit in one of or a combination of the following creative styles:

    Verbal Processor. You need to talk your way through a problem or opportunity. You say a lot and most of it never works, but then something great comes out and it sticks.

    Thinker. You listen to ideas or options but unlike the verbal processor, you’re not willing to commit or even comment on them until you’ve had a chance to think it through. Thinkers usually have to see the entire process through in their minds before they sign off on a course of action. But once they do, they never look back.

    Slow Starter. Slow starters are not good at coming up with ideas on their own. However, once you give them a good idea, they can take it and run with it. They might start slow, but they usually finish strong.

    Kinetic Creative. Also know as the ADD learner, the Kinetic Creative has to be doing something physical before they can think creatively. I have clients who do their best working on the golf course, during a morning jog, and even walking in a shopping mall.

    My job as a creative coach is to understand how my clients are wired for creative output and help them develop their best work.

    How are you wired for Creativity? Do you have another category that I didn’t mention?

  • Working with Generation Y: Getting More than I Bargain For

    Every rule has its exception. In the past few days I have worked closely with few members of what a lot of experts have labeled the most “entitled” generation ever in the history of mankind. However, my experience has been nothing but positive. I’ve been working side by side with creative, hard working and competent young professionals.  Before you decide to fit everyone 20 year old in a high-maintenance and low-return box, consider this.

    Working with Generation Y

    Every person deserves to prove his or her own merit. It’s easy to label someone but hard to change one’s preconceived notions. Give them the benefit of the doubt, expect the best. Simply, treat them like you want to be treated.

    Give them guidance but let them perform. When you have young talented people working for you, let them be young. Point them in the direction you want them to go, but try not to micromanage. If you’re too heavy-handed you’ll lose the freshness and creativity a young professional brings to the table.

    Wisdom is not age related. I’m currently working with wise young people who understand human dynamics way better than I did at their age.

    Don’t judge, mentor. If you see potential and a willing heart, you should mentor them instead of dismissing what could become one of your best assets. I have learned a lot from some of the young people I’ve mentored over the years. I still do today.

    Set them free. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let your young and talented and yet immature employee go. You’re the employer and not their parent. I have seen business owners suffer through non performance because they like the “kid” and wanted to help. Sometimes the best help you can offer is letting him feel the consequences of not meeting expectations. That’s a lesson we all need to learn. The sooner we learn it, the better off we are.

    The best resource I’ve found on all thing Generation Y, is Tim Elmore’s Generation iY book. You can get it here.

    What has been your experience working with Millennials?

  • 3 Things You Should Consider When Planning Christmas

    Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Nearly all churches will have a special Christmas service. However, most will miss out on the opportunity that it offers. In this quick video, I talk about the 3 key considerations for a successful Christmas outreach.

    Is your church thinking strategically about your Christmas services? What should you be doing differently?

  • What I learned from My Workout Buddies

    In the past few months I have been working out at the Y with a couple of guys I’ve met in the weight room. They are not only younger than me, they’re also in better shape, and while some might find working out with people who can lift twice as much weight  as you a bit intimidating, I decided that I needed the challenge.  The right workout partner can help you push through psychological and physical barriers. So after months of hitting the gym hard with my bald friends, Chris and Christian, here’s a few things I’ve learned:

    What I learned from Workout Buddies Maurilio Amorim

    1. The early hard workouts sucked. No need for euphemisms here. They were hard and painful. At one point, I asked for my mommy.

    2. I needed a change. I have been working out at gyms for decades. My routine had become, routine, very routine. I was not seeing much improvement because I did the same exercises all the time. Suddenly I was doing all kinds of different stuff and working out different muscle groups and my body noticed and responded.

    3. Accountability. That seems to be a reoccurring theme for me, but having someone waiting for me at the gym, kept me from sleeping late and blowing off the workout.

    4. Friendship. Whether I’m running or working out, having someone to share the experience makes my time so much more enjoyable. There’s always sports talk, movie talk and girl talk. It’s a bunch of guys at the gym, what do you expect?

    5. Challenge. I remember my first ab workout with Christian. I did maybe 20% of it and cried like a little girl during the whole time. It was not only physically painful, it was psychologically damaging to know I couldn’t finish a 20 minute ab workout. (in all fairness, this is a very tough routine, some 350 hardcore crunch combination by the time it’s all over). Today I’m almost 75% of the way to completing the entire routine. I’m still whining, however. This morning I almost threw up at end. Good times.

    6. Results. Nothing motivates us more than to see the results of hard work: clothing that fits better, shoulders that are wider, arms that are stronger and abs that are tighter.

    I have been a member of the Maryland Farms YMCA for many years. I know a lot of people there and I’m even on the board.  However, it wasn’t until I decided to put my insecurities and hang ups aside and befriend people whose work ethic and results I wanted to emulate that I began to see the personal transformation I had always wanted.

    Are you stuck on a non-productive routine? What are you going to do about it?