“Failing to plan is planning to fail” – Allen Lakein
“An hour of planning can save you ten hours of doing” – Dale Carnegie
To effectively prepare for the upcoming year, the Chosen Ones group organized a strategic meet on 14th December 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Responsible for hosting monthly seminars under the banner of Conscientia, on behalf of Stewards of Nations, the group opted for an in-person gathering at the Stewards of Nations Training Hall, East Anandbagh. The meeting was guided by Mr. John Srikanth and Ms. Kausalya, who played key roles in facilitating discussions and planning activities.
SHAPE Discussion: Discovering the Unique You
The day began with a session led by Ms. Kausalya, focusing on Chapter 5 of the book SHAPE by Erik Rees. The group, which has been steadily working through the book, explored the “Personality” component of the S.H.A.P.E. acronym. They shared their reflections, Biblical insights, and personal experiences. Some key takeaways from the discussion included:
- “God gives each of us unique qualities to serve His purpose.”
- “All personality types—whether optimistic, melancholic, ENTJ, etc.—are necessary to balance ministry work.”
- “We should respond to opportunities in accordance with God’s will.”
- “Accepting your personality is part of honoring God.”
The session was both enlightening and interactive, with participants sharing examples from their lives and Scripture that enriched the discussion.
Year Planning: Setting the Course for 2025
The second half of the meeting was dedicated to year planning, led by Mr. John Srikanth. He began by encouraging the group to reflect on the pros and cons of their current seminar practices, drawing insights from both individual and collective experiences. The group’s open discussion led to valuable feedback on how they could enhance their events and address existing challenges.
Mr. Srikanth then guided the team through goal-setting for Conscientia. The group identified their individual and group objectives and brainstormed strategies to achieve them. This process sparked innovative ideas for improving seminar content, outreach, and participant engagement. Some key initiatives proposed included:
- Introducing follow-up sessions after seminars to ensure continuity in learning.
- Inviting guest speakers with diverse expertise to cater to a broader audience.
- Enhancing seminar promotions through social media campaigns.
- Developing resource materials, such as handouts and take-home booklets, to deepen participant impact.
A Renewed Vision: The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as the group successfully outlined their plans for the upcoming year. Beyond the practical strategies, they left with a renewed zeal and creative vision for the work ahead. The Chosen Ones are now more equipped than ever to make a lasting impact through Conscientia’s monthly seminars, inspiring and empowering attendees to live purpose-driven lives.
Closing Thought: This productive meet serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and unity in achieving a shared mission. As Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” With faith and careful planning, the Chosen Ones are poised for a fruitful year ahead.