Because it is easy for a board to get caught up in "maintaining" (finances, current programs, etc.) we can easily lose sight of what it means for the ministry to actually "win." In one sense absolute victory is difficult to attain in this ministry, where as long as there is one unplanned pregnancy in our area, we still have work to do. Winning however, can also mean hitting agreed-upon benchmarks. Having these benchmarks gives us something to shoot for, even if the goals are extremely high. For instance, in the following areas, what does winning look like for your center?

Reaching abortion-vulnerable clients
We're here to offer life-giving alternatives to those considering abortion, right? What is our percentage of abortion-vulnerable clients? What’s the actual number? Is this enough? Should we be seeing more?

Outcomes
While we are not directly responsible for how many clients choose life, it is important that we do all we can to offer viable alternatives. Is the number of clients choosing life high enough for us? If not, is there something we can do that we are not already doing?

Faith
This is another area where we are not directly responsible. But are more clients choosing to follow Jesus Christ? Is it enough? Are we doing all we can to promote the hope of Christ?

Adoption
This is a tough one for every center; and some are on the verge of giving up. Perhaps another answer is to re-focus on this area, who knows? Let's start with a goal and then begin brainstorming answers.

Winning means different things to different centers. The key is to clearly define what that term means to us in every area. We may not always "win," but we'll be on the right track.

Letter reprinted by permission from LifeTrends. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net or visit LifeTrends' web site at LifeTrendsOnline.com.