This is one of the exercises we get our MTSers (and staff) to do every 6 months or so. All you need is a blank page (better if there are no lines on it) and a pen.
Then you think about your ministry… starting at either the whole church, or the whole city/town, or the people that you’re directly involved with. (Note: Never start with a Structure like “Sunday Church” or “Simply Christianity” or “Growth Groups” – That will stifle your creativity because you’ll be trying to fit things into your current ideas)
Then you write down everything that comes to mind. People’s names, current structures, your prayers for the whole, sins that you see happening, the future, the past, anything. Keep at it for 20mins at least.
Note: We’ve found that some staff can’t do this on their own, and they need to do it with someone else to keep them thinking about the one area. This can be a really good exercise to do with a member of church!
Then… wait for the ideas to formulate.
This type of exercise helps you see opportunities that are right in front of your face, but would never have noticed before.