![\"Ask](\"\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/root-cause.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMinistry doesn’t always go as expected. Parenting doesn’t always produce the results you hoped for. Relationships don’t always go smoothly.<\/p>\n
Rather than giving up or despairing, see if you can get to the root of what went wrong. Sometimes we merely deal in symptoms rather than the real issue. Then we wonder why lasting change doesn’t come. We may be applying the wrong solutions because we are staying on the surface. Take time to ask, “What’s at the Root?”<\/p>\n
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These examples will not cover everything you might face. And, the root cause in these various situations could be different in your case.<\/p>\n
Surface:<\/strong> It was a bad idea so I won’t do that again. Surface:<\/strong> They don’t love the Lord as they should so we’ll teach\/preach more to build their faith and love. Surface:<\/strong> Kids are so disrespectful today so I will have to discipline them more. Surface:<\/strong> God doesn’t care so it doesn’t matter if I pray. Surface:<\/strong> They don’t belong here so we’ll be more protective until they leave. Surface:<\/strong> People aren’t putting God first so we’ll teach\/preach more about prioritizing God and His will. Your child keeps falling back into the same bad behavior even though you keep disciplining.<\/p>\n Surface:<\/strong> I’m\u00a0not being hard enough on him\/her so I’ll enforce stricter consequences. Whatever the circumstance,\u00a0ask God to\u00a0get you beyond the surface to the root cause. Continue to pray\u00a0about it to\u00a0determine the best course of action based on the real issue. Look for resources that can help you learn and grow in this area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ministry doesn’t always go as expected. Parenting doesn’t always produce the results you hoped for. Relationships don’t always go smoothly. Rather than giving up or despairing, see if you can get to the root of what went wrong. Sometimes we merely deal in symptoms rather than the real issue. Then we wonder why lasting change doesn’t come. We may be applying the wrong solutions because we are staying on the surface. Take time to ask, “What’s at the Root?” . . . Continue reading What’s at the Root?<\/span>
\nRoot:<\/strong> Perhaps you didn’t invest sufficient time into planning and\/or praying.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Learn to set priorities, to better manage your time, and be prepared. Always pray.
\nResource:<\/strong> Time Management for Teachers Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Maybe people aren’t doing what lines up with their spiritual gifting, passions, and personality.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Help people find their best fit in ministry.
\nResource:<\/strong> Finding Your Best Fit in Ministry Book<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Possibly you aren’t teaching in accordance with their age level developmental need for activity.
\nSolution<\/strong>: Use more hands-on Bible learning activities.
\nResource:<\/strong> Age Level Teacher Training Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Maybe you aren’t praying in keeping with God’s character or will.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Learn more about God and His Word.
\nArticle:<\/strong>\u00a0Power in Prayer as We Adhere to Biblical Principles on Praying<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Perhaps people haven’t been discipled as they should.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Follow the Great Commission to its fullest extent which takes people beyond getting saved to spiritually growing and obeying Him as Lord of their lives.
\nArticle:<\/strong> Safety Because of the Great Commission<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Possibly they don’t have good role models of how to live in ways that prioritize what’s most important.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Begin with yourself and your church to control your schedule so it is more purposeful and considerate.
\nArticles<\/strong>: Purposeful Scheduling<\/a> \u00a0and \u00a0Considerate Scheduling<\/a><\/p>\n
\nRoot:<\/strong> Maybe the child is harboring resentment, hurts, or anger.
\nSolution:<\/strong> Focus on the heart, not just the behavior.
\nResource:<\/strong> Parenting is Heart Work<\/a> (Clicking on this link will take you to one of our affiliate stores.)<\/i><\/p>\n