Week 3: The Third Secret – One Minute Reprimands

"The more we value our people, the more they’ll value the work." – Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, The One Minute Manager


The third secret of The One Minute Manager is One Minute Reprimands. Although this may sound negative at first, it’s actually a vital component of leadership, helping to address issues or behaviors that need correction in a constructive and loving way. As pastors, we are responsible for guiding our congregations and teams toward growth, and part of this involves confronting missteps in a way that leads to improvement rather than discouragement. The key here is to separate the person from the behavior and ensure the reprimand is focused, brief, and corrective, not punitive.

Why One Minute Reprimands Matter:

Blanchard and Johnson explain that One Minute Reprimands help keep people accountable, ensuring that they understand the impact of their actions without feeling disrespected or discouraged. This principle is particularly valuable in small churches, where close-knit relationships often mean that feedback is more personal. In Galatians 6:1 (NIV), Paul instructs, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” One Minute Reprimands provide a space for gentle correction, keeping the person’s dignity intact while guiding them toward growth.

Strategic Insights for Small Church Pastors:

  1. Address Issues Quickly and Directly: Don’t let problems fester. Address issues in a timely manner, while the behavior is still fresh. This helps to prevent resentment and ensures that the issue doesn’t spiral out of control.

  2. Separate the Person from the Problem: Be sure to focus on the behavior that needs correcting, not the person. Emphasize, “This action isn’t aligned with our church’s values,” rather than, “You’re not doing a good job.”

  3. Encourage Growth After the Reprimand: After offering the reprimand, make sure to follow up with encouragement. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV), Paul says, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” A One Minute Reprimand should be followed by support and a clear path for improvement.

Application:

Suppose a staff member or volunteer is consistently late for meetings. A One Minute Reprimand could go something like this: “I’ve noticed that you’ve been arriving late to our meetings lately, and I want to remind you how important it is for the team to start on time. I know you’re committed, and I’d love for us to find a solution so we can all stay on track.” This approach addresses the behavior directly but also acknowledges the person’s value, with a focus on moving forward.


Over the past three weeks, we’ve explored the three core secrets of The One Minute Manager—One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands—and how they can be applied to the life and leadership of a small church pastor. By setting clear goals, affirming good work, and addressing issues in a constructive way, you can manage your ministry with greater clarity and compassion, empowering those around you to thrive in their roles. May these principles guide you as you lead your church to greater growth, unity, and effectiveness in fulfilling God’s mission. 




We are your partner in ministry, empowering you to stay in the game and help you complete the work God began in you. We want to help you implement the vision God has given you.


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