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Tag Archives: leadership
Why Churches Need Design Thinking
Unless you lead the only local church in America that has no problems, then you need to find an effective process to solve the challenges that you face.
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. (more…)
Tagged creativity, design thinking, leadership, process
The 3 C’s of a Church
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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Tagged Leaders, leadership
The Leadership Challenge
Church leadership is always a challenge. Not just every now and then, but always – and everywhere.
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.
Tagged leadership, longevity
Opportunity of a Lifetime!
A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a church leadership conference and to sit with several members of one church staff. The church had sent about 7 of the key staff members to the conference, including the Youth Pastor and Senior Pastor. The conference was great, with the Key Note speaker (name withheld) telling us the hard truth on many topics related to leading the local church. It was challenging, yet refreshing.
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.
Tagged Funny, leadership
Church Leadership is Boring (sometimes).
I recently sent out a tweet that said “Sometimes, Church leadership is boring”. It got a lot of reactions!
Here’s the deal. Every job is boring on occasion. There are no exceptions. Even when you are serving the most Holy and Awesome God.
When you think about it, you know that it is true. “Bored” is literally a state of mental being. I have been in incredible places with my boys, where opportunity and adventures abound – and I still hear the phrase ” I’m bored.”
I have met with some incredible, cutting edge, type “A” leaders in both the church and business worlds and heard the phrase “I’m bored.”
Tagged boring, challenges, leadership