Two-Pizza Rule—If you need more than two pizzas to feed the group who is brainstorming, your group is too big.

Rainbow Turbo Charge Rule—Try to get a wide variety of people from different parts of your ministry. The diversity of the group makes the brainstorm session kick into a higher gear. Invite men/women, old/young, full-time staff/congregation, employee/ volunteer, etc.

Snooze You Loose Rule—Pick a time when everyone is awake. Too early in the morning and right after lunch are the worst times for a brainstorm. The best time is midmorning with after dinner coming in a close second.

Nada Rule—No whining, no complaining, no criticizing, nada. Nip it in the bud!

Simmer Rule—Before the session, give the participants an idea of what you will be brainstorming about and what you are trying to accomplish.

Prime the Pump Rule— Make sure you come to the meeting with a few ideas to get the juices flowing. “So, what do you guys think?” is a rough start to a brainstorming session.