Bill Hybels is known for his quote "the local church is the hope of the world."  When you are dealing with church administration, you need to keep your focus in the right place.  All the budgets, forms,  procedures, programs, and guidelines can become the main thing instead of Jesus. Here are some thoughts on keeping your focus this Christmas season.

Remember that encountering Christ is what it's all about.  If you look over the budget, does it promote encounters with Christ? Do your job descriptions make it clear that the work is about encountering Christ?

Transformed lives make all the difference.  Are you in relationship with people and taking the opportunity to share scripture and impact their lives? Or are you transforming lives only by your gifts?  The food, socks, boxers, hats, coats, shoes, toys, and gift cards for teenagers are great gifts of the season but should we challenge ourselves to impact lives by engaging with people in spiritual conversations, not just giving to people?

Guide people to deeper spiritual experiences of love for Christ and others. Are you asking and expecting the Holy Spirit to engage you and others in the church directly today?  Does your benevolence policy clearly lead you to meet basic needs of those who don't know Jesus? Do you just hand out groceries or do you walk the wagon to their car with them and get to know them? Do your facilities provide a safe, transforming place for people to meet Jesus? Are you doing things as you have always done them or are you thinking how lives could be impacted better today?

Experience God as you work today. Look for ways to engage people today. If you think about the local church as the hope of the world, it will help you stay focused on good systems to provide ministries that make a difference in people's lives.