We must resist the temptation to build a twenty-year strategy based on our weaknesses. Still, we must be driven by mission and purpose rather than personality. Second, I try to get some successes under my belt. Success will give us credibility we’ll need later. One way to success is by visiting revered, elderly people in the congregation. Another may be to ask a beloved predecessor to speak some Sunday, validating the church tradition that preceded you. Planning and executing church programs with