What I know about you is that you didn’t go into church leadership to deal with a lot of the stuff that you have to deal with. You went into church leadership because you believed God was calling you to something significant…something life changing…something…well, other than what you spend a huge amount of time doing.

As a leader, you have to deal with all the “other” stuff.  You know, the stuff that no one really tells you about.  The stuff that wasn’t a part of the conversation when God called you to give your life to the church. But what if He had?  I can almost imagine what that conversation would be like.

God:  I have gifted you and called you to give your life to full time ministry in the local church…

You: Wow.  I am humbled.  I will get to lead people from pain to peace, from lost to found. I will get to proclaim your Word and watch people respond by giving you their lives, I will have the honor of representing the most Holy God as the leader of His people.

God: Yes, but… there is more.  You will also get to spend time with people who say horrible things about you because you made a decision about something without asking them. You will be put in the middle of situations that you have no control over, yet be held accountable.  You will watch people leave the church because you said something that they did not like.  You will go to sleep at night asking me…”Are you sure this is what you called me to do?’

You:  Hmmm… is there anyway to just do the good stuff?

So where does that reality leave you?  If you are like me, it leaves you looking for the best way possible to navigate the web of decisions and problems that we all face as we lead the church. I can share what I have learned, and how it can completely change your circumstances.

It is called “Design Thinking” and it is not just a new trend in business leadership.  Design Thinking is a comprehensive process that allows multiple perspectives to be explored, creates broad ownership of possible options, and gives you the ability to find the best solution BEFORE anything gets implemented.

Here are some of the key elements of Design Thinking:

Actually Understanding the “Problem”

As a leader, you know your organization very well.  Maybe even too well. That’s why you dismiss some complaints and ideas, and listen to others.  When a problem or challenge comes along, leaders assume that we know what is at the root of the presenting issue.  We act accordingly, and build plans and programs to address what we perceive is the issue.  Very often we find that those solutions did not really solve anything.  Why? Because we skipped the most important part of solving the problem: Understanding it. We treated symptoms but not the illness.

Unless you dig WAY down to understand the problem and involve the people that have “the problem”, you will not find the right solution to the problem.  Design Thinking is a process that creates the right dynamics to really understand what is going on and why.  It gives you the diagnostic tools to make sure you are going to treat the right problem.

Understanding the Person

Tim Brown says in his book Change by Design, “You can’t just stand in your own shoes; you’ve got to be able to stand in the shoes of others. Empathy allows you to have original insights about the world. It also enables you to build better teams.”  In the church, our professional staff often forgets what it is like to live and work outside the church.  We forget the challenge of getting everyone to the church on Sunday mornings, making all the meetings, attending all the events in addition to all the other demands of life. Church life for them is in addition to their jobs – unlike paid staff.

Our church went through this process and realized how important our Sunday morning food services (scones, snacks, coffee, juice) were to the young families in our church. When it came time to make some budget cuts, we were sure to keep as much of this intact as possible. Had we not gone though this process, we would have cut those services completely.  The result would have been a drop in attendance, and a drop in revenue – likely leading to more budget cuts.

Scientific and Creative approaches combined.

Some of us have championed the scientific approach, which is based on “history and numbers”. It focuses on what has actually happened in the past, and tries to predict the future (and best possible decision) based on cold, hard facts.  Leaders like this approach because it seems to reduce risk and give measurable results. It does, however, seem to leave faith out. Members like it because it is how most of the business world thinks.  It is familiar to them.

Some of us love “creative meetings” where lots of great ideas were generated, but very little results, if any, come of all the time and energy invested.  The meetings often seem unfocused and confusing. While really incredible possibilities are explored, realities are difficult to create. It does, however, seem to tap into a part of God’s leading that is absent in the scientific approach.

Design Thinking incorporates the best of both approaches.  It is truly both left and right brain (logical and creative).

Divergent AND Convergent

One of the more unique things about the Design Thinking  process is that it effectively incorporates both divergent and convergent processes. Convergence is how most of us look for the “right” answer, that time when our information and ideas come together and make sense.  We use convergence as a way of confirming our decisions.  Divergence is the process by which we take an idea and generate different possibilities from that original idea- creating new ideas and solutions that may or may not even make sense.  It is the concept that the best ideas are often a generation or more away from the original idea. “What if…” is the mantra for divergent thinking.  Design Thinking uses both of these at just the right time in the process to explore options, and ultimately focus on the BEST option.

Placing the Process over Product

We are often so concerned with launching and delivering products and services that we miss a very valuable resource: the process.  It is the process that ultimately creates the right result.  If the process is wrong, your result is wrong.  This collaborative process ensures that the right questions get asked, that the right people are involved, and the right answer is implemented. The Design Thinking process removes or reveals hidden agendas and personal issues, and brings reality to the forefront.

Rapid Prototyping

This is often used when talking about products, but works even better with services.  How many times have you put time, money, energy and credibility on the line as you have introduced “the new ministry”?  How many of those actually delivered everything you expected (or promised)? If you are like most churches, less than you would ever like to admit.

In Rapid Prototyping you are able to try something on a small scale, evaluate it, make changes and try again until you are getting the desired result…all before you introduce it to the church. That is significant.  It saves time, money, credibility and greatly reduces grumbling.

Ownership from beginning to end

One of the most significant challenges that church leaders face is gaining “buy in” for changes.  In all fairness to our members, church leaders are notorious for coming back from a conference, or reading a book and declaring “here is what we are going to do!”.  The Design Thinking process removes that barrier by effectively involving the people who will be impacted by the changes.  This begins with the first step in the process and continues through the final step.  This greatly reduces the skepticism and hesitation that so often blocks needed changes.

Every leader will face problems, but only a few will find answers.

You can learn more about Design Thinking at our site : The Design Thinking Blog

You can contact us to help you learn the process and take on your biggest challenge!

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I can tell where the person was from, I can see how long they stayed on the site, and what pages they were looking for. I can tell if they are new or returning. I can even tell what web browser they were using.

Here is some interesting info on my website stats for the past 3 months:
Top Counties/ Territories :

• United States
• Indonesia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Argentina
• Poland

Wow! I never know I had such a loyal following in California (hello Bellmont!) and I am still shocked at all the people in Indonesia that like to check out the website.

But in reality, none of this REALLY makes me a better consultant.  It is just more information to process.

The trend that I have seen is for churches and nonprofits to think that they need more information to be effective.  This usually results in a long process of using evaluation tools and/or subscriptions to information sites, and then months of trying to figure out what the information all means.  With very few exceptions, this is a huge waste of time and money.
What you need is Application, not Information.

Most of the time, you know what you need to do.

You just want information to back up your decision.  You are looking for “something” to blame if it goes wrong – so they don’t blame “someone” (YOU!).   Spend a few minutes online to see of you are on track with your thoughts  and then DO what you should do.  If you are really stuck – get someone to coach you through the process of taking you from where you are to where you want to go — but please—focus on Application and not Information!!

Each and every church operates according to the 3 C’s. Most of them just don’t know it.  The dynamics of each C determine decisions and results – but most leadership teams have little knowledge of how to utilize this information to align their vision and resources.  Here they are:

1. Concept: The future (or vision) is simply a concept that exists within you and your church about what the church sh/could look like.  Like most concepts, there are always challenges to making them into reality.

2. Context: This is the reality in which you and your church exist.  This has to do with everything from the socioeconomic makeup of your community to the Spiritual gifts that God has placed within your congregation.

3. Content: This is the way that you will go about programing and resourcing your vision.  It is the area where most leadership teams like to focus after the vision is cast. That is a mistake.

In order for the local church to really have an impact, it must get it’s C’s in order.

1-2-3

Concept – Context – Content

If your leadership team is struggling with getting this right, let our team help.  That is why we are here!

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1. They are REALLY tired.

2. They are REALLY curious.

3. They are  looking for something they can REALLY use.

So how do you address these?  For starters, make sure that they are welcomed and feel like you have planned for them.  Fatigue can make little things seem big – both good and bad.    Since they are curious, have your facilities open and accessible for them.  Have your best people scattered around and able ask questions.  I was asked “how many chairs are in here normally, and at what point do people think its full?”.  This leader wasn’t looking for  the standard answer that “80% is full”, he wanted to see if that 80% rule was true for us.  I hooked him up with the person who counts heads every week.  He is the same one who puts out chairs every week…so he KNOWS the numbers!

We also set up our room with tables instead of rows of seating – this way the leaders could talk about what they were learning and process it with their team members.  This enabled them to decide what they could actually act upon as they were processing things together.

While this was a leadership conference, the leaders in your organization have the same issues.  What are you doing to meet them where they are?

As I have the opportunity to work with pastors and church leaders, I find that they all face challenges -even in the best of churches.  I used to believe that if I could ever work in _______ (fill in with your own dream church), then things would be so much better.

Maybe you have felt the same way.  You look around and it just seems so much easier over “there”.  They have better facilities, finances, leadership, location, committed members, worship, youth… well, you get the idea.

Anything has to be better, and easier…right?

Here’s what I learned.  It is hard everywhere.  Leadership doesn’t get easy just because you are doing well as a church.  In fact, the pressure is HUGE for a church that is viewed as successful.  Keeping momentum while maintaining direction and vision is no easy task.  Things take on a life of their own and have large implications.

So here are the basics:

• Have a Clear Vision – keep things out of the “personal opinion” realm.  Make decisions based on the Vision.
• Build a Committed Team – you need people who will work with you and for you, and some that will tell you the painful truth.
• Know and Keep Your Values – these are the boundary markers for how you will make decisions and fulfill the Vision.
• Don’t Take Yourself So Seriously – remember that “grace” thing you were the recipient of? Accept and extend grace – it makes you a better person.

Leading is challenging, but can be incredibly rewarding when done well.

This church staff was doing everything together, evaluating the things they were learning, sharing meals, etc.,  but when it was time for the lunch break – the Youth Pastor was missing.  He never showed up for lunch, didn’t respond to phone calls or messages.  The group (especially the Senior Pastor) was concerned.

Eventually the next session began with worship and a few other things, still no Youth Pastor. But just as the Key Note speaker began -  he arrived at his seat, next to the Senior Pastor.

You guys won’t believe where I’ve been! I was in the hall headed to the restroom and ran into him (the Key Note).  I decided this was the opportunity of a lifetime, so I said “If you will give me 30 minutes one day, I will drive the 6 hours it takes to get here.  I really need to ask you a few things.”

Apparently the Key Note was moved by his sincerity, and  instead invited him to lunch in the Green Room. He spent more than the requested 30 minutes, and answered all of the questions.  It was obviously a huge deal to the Youth Pastor, and the group was excited for their friend and fellow staff member.  The Senior Pastor was especially impressed.

As the Key Note began the next session he said “I want to take a moment and say something to the Senior pastors out there.  Some of you really need to work on developing your leadership skills.  I just had lunch with a Youth Pastor who offered to drive 6 hours to meet with me because he wanted to find out how to deal with being a better leader than his Senior Pastor.”

That may have been one of the most awkward moments I have ever witnessed.

In a recent Facebook post, I commented on how many churches work really, really hard and provide worship services all during Holy Week, and that one church I know of does the complete opposite.  They offer no Holy Week services, and instead put all of their energy into creating an incredible Easter Sunday experience.

I said in that FB update that I was not endorsing one way over the other, but after being pushed a bit – I have changed my mind.

Over these many years, I have had the opportunity to work in and consult with a broad spectrum of churches – from mainline to independent, liberal to conservative, and traditional to contemporary.

In almost every church that offers the Holy Week menu (breakfast devotionals, lunch speakers, evening services) I hear the same comments/complaints from the ministry team. “We are really tired by the time Easter Sunday gets here”.
Easter Sunday is one of only two times that unchurched people will come to your church in large numbers on their own initiative.  All of these people show up at your door, full of energy and anticipation – dressed in new clothes and enjoying seeing friends and neighbors. They are there and open to hear what God (through you) has to say.   It is “GO” time, and you’re just plain tired.  You haven’t been able to put much time into preparing for them because of the Holy Week menu.  Your staff is tired, your facilities look tired, and your message is tired.  In the back of your mind, you are just glad that this will all be over in a few short hours.

This incredible opportunity to reach people (the very reason Jesus went to the cross and that we have the Holy Week menu) has just been missed.  And you traded it to keep the “faithful” happy.

Those weekday services reach a very small number of people – and coincidentally, those people are the most committed church members that you already have.
So I guess I am ready to declare a side on this issue.  The Holy Week buffet is not why Jesus came to this earth, suffered was crucified, died, and was buried.  It was for Easter and the resurrection. It was for those who are drawn to Him and the hope He offered.

Easter week should be preparation for a celebration of victory over sin and death, not a time for an annual week long funeral.

Give out devotional guides for your members, have “A” Holy Week service to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for all of us, encourage your mature believers to spend extra time in prayer and study – but don’t miss the point of it all.  Jesus died to reach those who are coming to your church on Easter Sunday.

Of course, all of this assumes that you and your church actually want to reach out those who do not yet have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  But if that is not a concern for you– well… ignore the rant.  Enjoy the buffet.

He wanted to structure this new church in a way that would not fit any of the concepts that we were working on. It had to be it’s own entity with no connection to us.

That was hard.

We looked for a win-win solution for both our friend and our church.  He had been a key leader for several years, and a gifted communicator.  Our church was better with him, and our church was good for him.  We decided that we would try to keep him on staff for close to a year, while slowly decreasing his responsibilities and allowing him to ramp up the new church.  Planting a church is challenging, and this would give him financial stability and continuity as he began. It would also allow us to keep him in the teaching rotation, and benefit from his gifts.

There were leaders in our church that challenged me on the wisdom of this arrangement.  In business, (and in many churches) once you announce your are leaving – you’re out.  But we were convinced that we could make this work. The three us have met together most every week for a time of prayer and accountability. We have committed to communicate and be honest with one another throughout the process.  There are times that is easy, and others…well “not so much”.

There have been a couple of significant bumps along the way, especially when it came to the “who” of this transition.  You see, his church plant is in the same town with us.  Many of the people that have grown close to our friend at our church are now faced with the question of whether or not to go with him to his new church.  Slowly that list is growing and includes some staff and key leaders from our church.

For each loss we feel, he feels a gain.  He celebrates, we suffer.  Just last night we learned of another staff member and key church leader that are leaving to be a part of his church – and it felt like a punch to the gut.

Ultimately, I hope that we are able to find a way to navigate all of this without the conflict that usually arises in this type of situation.  We have a relationship with a good friend at stake, as well as the responsibility to take care of the church God has called us to pastor and lead. And there are times that what is “right” just isn’t very clear. Ultimately, our desire is to please God with our actions, and to advance His kingdom, though all means possible.  More churches reaching more people is a good thing.

We are still moving forward with our first multi-site launch.  God has blessed us and encouraged us in more ways that we ever imagined. Our church has grown in every way possible during this same time frame.  But for some reason, it just doesn’t take the sting out of those losses.

Industrial Age -The Individual worker is minimized, the Managers are Empowered, and Leadership is minimized. (think Peter Drucker)

Technology Age – The Individual worker is minimized, the Manager is minimized, and Leadership is Empowered (think John Maxwell)

Creative Age – The Individual worker is Empowered, the Manager is minimized, and Leadership is minimized (think  Richard Florida)

Empowered in the sense that the attention is shifted to that position, and much is written on how to make the work environment most conducive to that position being effective.

Minimized in the sense that ability to perform is assumed and not the focus of attention.

The current trend of business related thinking on this topic will soon begin to significantly impact the church (as it has in the past) and we will feel the same shift.  There is already the early signs of this with the growing movement in the church to develop a “Strengths based” ministry concept. We are still very consumed with the Leadership models of the past 30 years, so it may take a while to see this as a “new” paradigm of ministry.

There are several other posts on this site about the Strengths-based approach on this site.

A wise church leader will listen and learn, and be read to lead in a new Era.

Several months ago I decided to put together a new website that would cover a different area of my consulting life: Design Thinking.

At the time, I thought it would be a small site that might get a little traffic, and maybe inspire some people to consider the effectiveness of the Art of Design Thinking.  Wrong.

It has been a HUGE surprise to see the amount of traffic from all over the globe.  As a result, I have spent a great deal of time blogging, Tweeting, and consulting on the topic.

So how does this fit with the primary topic of this blog???  Well, it’s all about the ability to bring effective solutions to real problems.  And that is what leaders do…especially in the church.

If you have not had a chance, I encourage you to check out the new site DesignThinkingBlog and see what you can learn.

And for those of you who are looking for direct help, use the contact page and let’s talk.