"Leading Ideas: Lead Positively | Is Your Vision a Mural or a To-Do List?" from Lewis Center for Church Leadership from The Wesley Theological Seminary of Washington, D.C., United States for Wednesday, January 25, 2016-------
Lead Positively by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.Lovett H. Weems Jr., explains why leaders need to affirm the positive and assume the best of others -- even when things aren't what they ultimately need to be. Critique and judgment have their place -- but not at the expense of projecting a grace-filled and hopeful attitude toward others.
A Presumption of Grace
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “If only this congregation cared as much about the poor as I do, we might really be able to make a difference?” It’s very easy for leaders to give the impression to others that we think we care more about the poor, or diversity, or sharing the Gospel, or a host of other things than others do. We end up communicating more judgment than grace. And then we’re surprised to discover that our church is seen by many as a place of judgment rather than a home of grace.
Leaders must be willing to affirm progress before it becomes a completed reality. So practice saying “I’m so proud … ” or “I’m so honored …” until you really are!
This presumption of judgment surfaces frequently when debates occur regarding church actions or priorities. When it comes to a question of the use of church facilities, leaders can assume a tone that conveys that obviously we care about people, implying that those who disagree care more about property than persons to be served. “I know you care about the bricks and mortar, but I care about people and ministry.” Not good. Could we not as easily assume that others care as much as we do about the people for whom those buildings were built?
Assume the Best about People
Why, in the absence of knowing the hearts of everyone else, would we presume the worst instead of the best about them? Why would our default position be one that conveys judgment rather than one that communicates grace — when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a proclamation of grace? Assume the best until people prove you otherwise.
In addition to the theological imperative for a presumption of grace, there is also a practical need. Any time we appear to devalue people’s commitments, they cling more closely to them. They are less open to change. So if the property committee thinks that their concern to prevent damage to the buildings is devalued, they will not say, “Can you ever forgive us?” They are more likely to add more restrictions.
Assume the property committee cares as much as you do about the youth who need to use the building — unless they prove you wrong. And sometimes they will prove you wrong. If you are operating from a presumption of grace rather than judgment as your default way of relating to others, then, when there is a problem, you are in a much better position to say, “We need to talk. We have an issue to face.” In such times, leaders who have practiced a presumption of grace will be taken far more seriously than those who have not learned to lead with grace.
I’m So Proud
Pay attention to the way great leaders speak to those they serve. You will hear them regularly use phrases of affirmation: “I’m so proud to be part of a church that takes its commitment to serving the poor seriously.” “I’m so proud to be on a team that never stops until the job is done.” “I’m so proud to be the pastor of a church that welcomes everyone.”
In order for these kinds of affirmations to be helpful and credible, the attribute you are lifting up must be true to some measure. But it is also a way of reinforcing a behavior you want to see more of. Leaders must be willing to affirm progress before it becomes a completed reality. So practice saying “I’m so proud … ” or “I’m so honored …” until you really are!
3]]Much more work is required than graceful statements, but assuming the best is a good place to start. As you see glimpses of the promised land along the way, celebrate them before you totally arrive. Critique has its place; just make sure it is not taking first place.
Related Resources
- The Power of Praise in Awakening Missional Identity by Michaela E. St. Marie
- I Hope They Will Know I Believed in Them by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
- A Better Preacher in Thirty Seconds by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
- Nursery Lessons: A Better Way of Recruiting Volunteers by Kim Mitchel
Read more.
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Is Your Vision a Mural or a To-Do List? by Tiffany Deluccia
Tiffany Deluccia says that for too many churches, their de facto vision is nothing more than a list of the next things to be done. Instead, your vision should be an inspiring and compelling portrait of what God is doing in the life of your church.
When someone asks you about your church’s vision for the next 3-5 years, how do you respond? I recently heard a pastor respond to that question with something like this: “Well, we currently take one mission trip per year, and we’re working on adding a second.” It got me thinking.
A church’s vision is not your to-do list. It’s not the event calendar. It’s not your preaching schedule. It’s not your building repairs. It’s not your most pressing need. It’s not even some things you hope your church will start doing, like adding a second service or another short-term mission trip.
The vision is why God put your church right where it is, with the people you have, in the season you’re in, surrounded by thousands who need Jesus’ love. And that is unique to each individual church.
It’s easy to reduce vision to the next thing to be done. But the action items on your list are supporting players, and though they are very important ones, they too often grow to a gargantuan size, blocking out all light from the true aim — the very reason why you have a list at all.
The vision is why God put your church right where it is, with the people you have, in the season you’re in, surrounded by thousands who need Jesus’ love. And that is unique to each individual church.
It may sound simple. But many churches that feel stuck have made it complicated. Or rather, they have added to it. They took the reason for being and made it a list for doing. And the list kept growing and growing until tasks and recurring tasks reigned supreme, justifying their importance by their mere existence.
What’s in the Picture?
If you had to describe what your individual church means to the world (both the community you’re in and beyond), what narrative would you give? If you asked an artist to paint your church’s vision, what would be in the mural? The story of what God’s doing in your church is what attracts people to join in.
One note here: if it’s a God-sized vision, it should be beyond our capacity to achieve in our own effort; yet, it must also be within the realm of possibility. If people view the vision as completely impossible, it can be demotivating. One test of a God-sized vision is whether or not it both rallies and repels people.
What’s Important Now?
With a clear picture, you can ask yourself, “What’s important now?” to determine what things your church should be doing next. That’ll give you a list, but that list will change and evolve, and hopefully, you’ll check some things off as the picture becomes more and more complete. You will celebrate that added color the painting has received, instead of the items you check off of a list.
And when someone asks you what your church’s vision for the next 3-5 years is, you’ll be able to tell an inspiring and compelling story of what God is doing in the life of your church and how you believe He’s called you to spread His love.
This article is reprinted from TonyMorganLive.com and used by permission.
Related Resources
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The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
A collection of questions about inspiring innovation and action includes one that requires a question to answer their question:
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Eight Reasons People Aren't Listening to AnnouncementsThis weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the community. They want to move people to action, but in reality a large portion of those in the room will simply tune out for that part of the service and then tune back in when something more interesting comes along. Pastor Rich Birch explains why in "To the Point: Eight Reason People Aren't Listening to Announcements."
This weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the community. They want to move people to action, but in reality a large portion of those in the room will simply tune out for that part of the service and then tune back in when something more interesting comes along. You know it’s true … because you’ve done it!
We blame the people for not engaging in the mission. Sort of like a shepherd blaming the sheep for not going to the right pasture. We need to understand why people stop listening and then shift our behavior to help them connect with those we seek to serve. Here are eight reasons people aren’t listening to announcements.
There’s nothing in it for them. We want them to attend our event. We need volunteers for the upcoming thing. We have a need that we are hoping they will fill. We focus too much on what’s in it for us, but people are intrinsically motivated to pay attention to things that will positively impact them. Frame your announcements in a way that shows how what you are talking about is going to make a difference to them.
Too much insider language. Why do church leaders love cute names for programs and use acronyms? These are surefire ways to alienate your audience because they need a dictionary to understand what all the different “special names” are for the events and programs at your church. Work hard to ensure that you use plain language that everyone can understand.
You need to sell, not market. Marketing is about making sure that people understand the features and benefits of your product or service. Sales is about working with people individually to overcome their objections and get them to sign on the dotted line. Who is the person who is going to talk to people directly about engaging in the effort?
No heart. Do you feel like yawning while you are doing the announcements? Imagine what the people are thinking! If you do not connect your message with their hearts every once in a while, they will stop listening. People want to know why you are passionate about the subject. Move beyond dates, times, and locations to the big “why” behind what you are talking about.
Too much noise. Every time you add another announcement, it reduces the likelihood of the announcements breaking through. Two announcements are 30 percent as effective as one. Three are 90 percent less effective than one. How are you ensuring that you are doing the minimal number of announcements possible to ensure maximum impact?
Bad News Bill. Is it always the same person from the finance team that gets up once a month to tell the church how much they are behind on offerings? People will learn to tune out that message quickly. If you are always the bearer of bad news, people will stop listening. Avoid using the public stage as the place to disseminate bad news.
Wrong audience. If you are announcing the upcoming hiker club trip to the wilderness on Tuesday afternoon that maybe two percent of the congregation could possibly attend, you are telling 98 percent of the people to ignore you. If your announcement does not impact 50 percent or more of the people in the room, why are you talking about it?
Too much treadmill. When was the last time you celebrated something fun that happened at your church? If you are always taking time to promote what’s coming up next, you are missing an opportunity to engage (and reward) people who have been involved in something already at the church. Celebrate people and what they are doing. They will listen more.
This article is by Rich Birch, pastor and blogger, and appeared in Leading Ideas February 25, 2015. Used by permission.
Download a PDF to share with others.Read now and download free.
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Quotable Leadership:
The status quo gets confused with the will of God.[Michael White and Tom Corcoran]
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What Next Faithful Step is God Calling Your Church to Take?Discovering God's Future for Your Church is a new turn-key tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God's vision for its future. The resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. The tool kit features videos, leader's guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more.
Learn more and watch an introductory video now. -------
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Is Your Vision a Mural or a To-Do List? by Tiffany DelucciaTiffany Deluccia says that for too many churches, their de facto vision is nothing more than a list of the next things to be done. Instead, your vision should be an inspiring and compelling portrait of what God is doing in the life of your church.
When someone asks you about your church’s vision for the next 3-5 years, how do you respond? I recently heard a pastor respond to that question with something like this: “Well, we currently take one mission trip per year, and we’re working on adding a second.” It got me thinking.
A church’s vision is not your to-do list. It’s not the event calendar. It’s not your preaching schedule. It’s not your building repairs. It’s not your most pressing need. It’s not even some things you hope your church will start doing, like adding a second service or another short-term mission trip.
The vision is why God put your church right where it is, with the people you have, in the season you’re in, surrounded by thousands who need Jesus’ love. And that is unique to each individual church.
It’s easy to reduce vision to the next thing to be done. But the action items on your list are supporting players, and though they are very important ones, they too often grow to a gargantuan size, blocking out all light from the true aim — the very reason why you have a list at all.
The vision is why God put your church right where it is, with the people you have, in the season you’re in, surrounded by thousands who need Jesus’ love. And that is unique to each individual church.
It may sound simple. But many churches that feel stuck have made it complicated. Or rather, they have added to it. They took the reason for being and made it a list for doing. And the list kept growing and growing until tasks and recurring tasks reigned supreme, justifying their importance by their mere existence.
What’s in the Picture?
If you had to describe what your individual church means to the world (both the community you’re in and beyond), what narrative would you give? If you asked an artist to paint your church’s vision, what would be in the mural? The story of what God’s doing in your church is what attracts people to join in.
One note here: if it’s a God-sized vision, it should be beyond our capacity to achieve in our own effort; yet, it must also be within the realm of possibility. If people view the vision as completely impossible, it can be demotivating. One test of a God-sized vision is whether or not it both rallies and repels people.
What’s Important Now?
With a clear picture, you can ask yourself, “What’s important now?” to determine what things your church should be doing next. That’ll give you a list, but that list will change and evolve, and hopefully, you’ll check some things off as the picture becomes more and more complete. You will celebrate that added color the painting has received, instead of the items you check off of a list.
And when someone asks you what your church’s vision for the next 3-5 years is, you’ll be able to tell an inspiring and compelling story of what God is doing in the life of your church and how you believe He’s called you to spread His love.
This article is reprinted from TonyMorganLive.com and used by permission.
Related Resources
- Discovering God’s Future for Your Church Tool Kit
- Take the Next Step: Leading Lasting Change in the Church by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
- Casting a Vision by Melvin Amerson
-------
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
A collection of questions about inspiring innovation and action includes one that requires a question to answer their question:
- What question, if answered, could make the most difference to the future of our organization?
-------
Eight Reasons People Aren't Listening to AnnouncementsThis weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the community. They want to move people to action, but in reality a large portion of those in the room will simply tune out for that part of the service and then tune back in when something more interesting comes along. Pastor Rich Birch explains why in "To the Point: Eight Reason People Aren't Listening to Announcements."This weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the community. They want to move people to action, but in reality a large portion of those in the room will simply tune out for that part of the service and then tune back in when something more interesting comes along. You know it’s true … because you’ve done it!
We blame the people for not engaging in the mission. Sort of like a shepherd blaming the sheep for not going to the right pasture. We need to understand why people stop listening and then shift our behavior to help them connect with those we seek to serve. Here are eight reasons people aren’t listening to announcements.
There’s nothing in it for them. We want them to attend our event. We need volunteers for the upcoming thing. We have a need that we are hoping they will fill. We focus too much on what’s in it for us, but people are intrinsically motivated to pay attention to things that will positively impact them. Frame your announcements in a way that shows how what you are talking about is going to make a difference to them.
Too much insider language. Why do church leaders love cute names for programs and use acronyms? These are surefire ways to alienate your audience because they need a dictionary to understand what all the different “special names” are for the events and programs at your church. Work hard to ensure that you use plain language that everyone can understand.
You need to sell, not market. Marketing is about making sure that people understand the features and benefits of your product or service. Sales is about working with people individually to overcome their objections and get them to sign on the dotted line. Who is the person who is going to talk to people directly about engaging in the effort?
No heart. Do you feel like yawning while you are doing the announcements? Imagine what the people are thinking! If you do not connect your message with their hearts every once in a while, they will stop listening. People want to know why you are passionate about the subject. Move beyond dates, times, and locations to the big “why” behind what you are talking about.
Too much noise. Every time you add another announcement, it reduces the likelihood of the announcements breaking through. Two announcements are 30 percent as effective as one. Three are 90 percent less effective than one. How are you ensuring that you are doing the minimal number of announcements possible to ensure maximum impact?
Bad News Bill. Is it always the same person from the finance team that gets up once a month to tell the church how much they are behind on offerings? People will learn to tune out that message quickly. If you are always the bearer of bad news, people will stop listening. Avoid using the public stage as the place to disseminate bad news.
Wrong audience. If you are announcing the upcoming hiker club trip to the wilderness on Tuesday afternoon that maybe two percent of the congregation could possibly attend, you are telling 98 percent of the people to ignore you. If your announcement does not impact 50 percent or more of the people in the room, why are you talking about it?
Too much treadmill. When was the last time you celebrated something fun that happened at your church? If you are always taking time to promote what’s coming up next, you are missing an opportunity to engage (and reward) people who have been involved in something already at the church. Celebrate people and what they are doing. They will listen more.
This article is by Rich Birch, pastor and blogger, and appeared in Leading Ideas February 25, 2015. Used by permission.
Download a PDF to share with others.Read now and download free.-------
Quotable Leadership:
The status quo gets confused with the will of God.[Michael White and Tom Corcoran]
-------
What Next Faithful Step is God Calling Your Church to Take?Discovering God's Future for Your Church is a new turn-key tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God's vision for its future. The resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. The tool kit features videos, leader's guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more.Learn more and watch an introductory video now. -------
Editors: Dr. Ann A. Michel and Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Connect with the Lewis Center:
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NorthWest
Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
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Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
Connect with the Lewis Center:
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NorthWest
Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
-------
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