Strong Yeses, Strategic Noes
By Greg Schmill, Adjunct Ministry and Leadership Coach
When our four daughters were in grade school and high school, it felt like opportunities were everywhere. Piano lessons, violin lessons, voice lessons. Volleyball, basketball, softball, cross-country. Dance classes. School trips. Each opportunity was good—valuable, enriching, worthwhile.
But time, energy, and resources were limited.
That reality led to a Schmill family saying that guided many conversations around our kitchen table:
“It’s all good stuff—but we can’t do it all.”
Once we agreed on that truth, the harder work began: making choices. Saying “no” to some good things so we could say “yes” to others. And not just weak or half-hearted yeses, but strong yeses—commitments we could fully support with the time, energy, and resources they deserved. A diluted “yes,” after all, often served no one well.
The same challenge exists for ministry teams today.
We can focus on evangelism.
We can focus on worship.
We can focus on discipleship.
We can focus on facility growth—and countless other important areas.
Each one matters. Each one is good. But we can’t do it all—at least not all at once.
That’s why effective ministry requires a clear and intentional plan. A plan that includes both saying “yes” and saying “no.” A plan that honors real limits while using available time, energy, and resources in the most faithful and fruitful way possible.
At Grace in Action, we have a proven process for walking alongside ministry teams as they clarify their priorities and develop a focused ministry plan. It’s called a Vision/Traction Organizer. This tool aligns leadership teams by clarifying an organization’s direction. We would love to learn more about your ministry and discuss how a Vision/Traction Organizer can help you discern ministry priorities for your church and/or school. Please CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE 30 minute exploratory conversation.
We look forward to serving with you as you discern what to say “yes” to—and what to say “no” to. And we would be honored to join you in praying that the Lord blesses your efforts, your planning, and your plans, all designed to move ministry forward.
p.s. - During the the month of March, save 10% on any strategic planning package booked for 2026. Now is a great time to secure your ministry’s next season of focus and direction!