"There is a problem when more information leads to less action."
And be blessed.
Steven discussed how churches and congregations naturally walk thru certain cycles from 'birth' to 'infancy' to 'childhood' and 'adolescence.' Then on to 'adulthood' and 'maturity.' If they're not careful and don't continue staying fresh and re-dreaming, re-inventing, listening to God and vision casting, they can slip on into 'empty nest' syndrome and 'retirement' as a congregation - and then, eventually 'death.'
Each member of our team decided independently where they thought WE were at KFA in that bell curve right now, with 'adulthood' being at the prime top-of-the-curve position. Most of the group thought we were in a really healthy positive spot, though certainly not perfect - far from it - but most of the crew present put us at the 'adolescence' position, meaning even though we're 75 years old as a church, we were coming into our own again as we have re-cast vision for the church over the past couple of years, after probably slipping over into 'maturity' (not a good thing on this particular bell curve) and possibly even toward 'empty nest' for awhile back a few years ago.
It is important that churches do this process over and over again to avoid - never staying the same - never being satisfied - never status quo - never becoming stale and irrelevant as society and culture continue to change at such a fast rate. The only things that remain the same are our FIRM COMMITMENT to preach the Word and retain our God-breathed values. What an exciting time to be part of the church.
PS ... Steven Mills and Melvyn Ming have developed some curriculum to help churches hone their mission and values and vision and strategy. The material is called "Church Leadership Development Process" and I'm privileged to be able to hang out with some of these very smart guys in Seattle for a week to learn from them and receive some training -- and then come back to our Wisconsin District and help lead other churches thru the same material, including our own staff. Can't wait.
And be blessed.
It is certainly going to impact some of the ways we do ministry in the 21st century. So, is it BETTER to be an "Old New Dad" or a "Young New Dad?" I honestly don't know. I'm just glad I'm NOT one. What do you think?
But ... YOU GO, GUYS!When I was a youth pastor (yes, I was one once) – I deeply cared about what was happening in the lives of the students I was pastoring. When I was a worship pastor, I deeply cared about how and why people were or were not worshipping. Now that I’m in my present role, I care intensely about how people are making connections – or not – in our church … I care about whether people are giving from generous spirits and hearts or from some other motivation … I care about how we’re reaching the lost and hurting in our community … I care about how we’re growing and becoming disciples.
I’m reading a book by Mark Waltz right now and he says, “I still pray for our people. I still feel a great sense of responsibility. But not like I once did. And I'm really happy about that. I don't care LESS -- I just don't feel responsible FOR everyone. I do, however, feel responsible TO them. Big difference."
And I think I feel exactly the same way. Because when I’m responsible TO people, I understand they have choices. When I’m responsible FOR people, I think I should decide for them.
When I’m responsible TO people, I know THEY have to figure out their next steps, not me. I have to show them what some of those can BE, but I can’t figure out everything for them. When I’m responsible FOR people, I try to tell them and then MAKE them do the next steps.
When I’m responsible TO people, I share their journeys and offer them encouragement and teaching. When I’m responsible FOR people, I try to micro-manage their journeys, never allowing them to wrestle, mess up or make a wrong turn.
When I’m responsible TO people, I talk to God a lot on their behalf. When I’m responsible FOR people, I talk to people a lot on God’s behalf.
The church is not a servant to man; it is a collection of people who are serving God and mankind. So, in his book, “Called,” Kary Oberbrunner says there is a common misunderstanding of discipleship that includes this progression:
1 Accept Christ
2 Don’t do bad things anymore
3 Withdraw from culture
4 Hang with Christians
5 Go to church
6 Read your Bible and pray
7 Be happy you’re saved and not going to hell
8 Tell other people you’re happy and they can be too if they follow these 7 steps
But then Kary challenges that THIS should actually be the progression, as suggested by Jesus:
1 I want your whole life – everything
2 I want to transform you and than have you transform culture
3 I want you to be in the world, just like I was
4 I want you to be the church – the present-day incarnation of Me
5 I want you to embody the Word to others
6 Be My hands and feet and see people as people, not projects to convert
Q: Which one do YOU think is closer to accurate?
Q: Which of those belief systems comes closest to best describing our/your church right now?
Q: Do we more often demonstrate responsibility FOR others or responsibility TO others?
Q: Do we trust the Holy Spirit to work in people’s lives? Where do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life? What has God done in you in the past ten years? How about this past year?
Q: In what ways could you take more responsibility for your own journey?
PS: One of the perks of being the one to do devotions on Tuesday morning is that person gets to choose where the pastors do lunch that day. I chose 'The 45 Diner' in Bristol today. Hot turkey sandwich with a tall chocolate shake, in case you were interested.
And be blessed.