During a recent fishing trip I was reminded of many things about fishing for bass that had almost forgotten.

The casual fisherman thinks it is about acquiring a fishing rod, bait and sitting on the shoreline waiting for something to bite. That is one way to fish but not necessarily the most effective.

Yes, fishing this way might allow you to catch fish, but certain techniques, when applied, can improve your chances and your quota.

Fish change locations and date they prefer.

Due to temperature changes, weather conditions, and feeding cycles fish are not always in the same location. You must locate where they are, in which type of structure they are to be found, and what type of bait they prefer on any given occasion.

At which depth are the fish to be found?

In case you did not notice, fish do not have eyelids, making them sensitive to sunlight. In bright sunlight often they will go deep. One technique is used to fish or fish are shallow, another when fish are deep.

Are your tools in proper working order?

Fishing line becomes brittle with time. The sharp little teeth of bass cut into fishing line causing it to become unstable. When you're fishing rod is too limber or too stiff that affects how you can fish. You must match the right tools for the task.

Jesus said he would be fishers of men. Are you intentional about analyzing your effectiveness? Do you constantly consider the needs of fish order to be more effective? Or would your ministry better resemble the person who sits on shore and just hopes the fish will finally bite?

Consider the requirements of your target audience. Plan that into your ministry. Work on developing systems that constantly reflect and adapt in order to bring greater effectiveness.

Trends in society may not be to your liking, generational shifts may in fact be something that stretches you out of your comfort zone, but that is where the "fish" are to be found. You might want to take another look at social media. Stay abreast of how generational audiences use internet. Where do age groups congregate in your city? What type of settings generate excitement in the group that you minister to best? Think wisely.