Looking at the evidence

I have been called (summoned actually) to serve on jury duty this week. Whether I am chosen or not remains to be determined. Being called to serve as a juror is an important part of our judicial system. It takes citizens from their normal routines , sets them apart in a small group, asks them to examine the evidence ( the facts) , come to some conclusions, and a decision. These decisions affect the lives and directions of the people in the litigation.

This process reminded me that it would good for church leaders to take time from the normal routine of church life, to ask a small group to look at the evidence, the facts, of church life, and come to some conclusions and decisions about the ministry and mission of the church. Jim Collins in his book "Good to Great" states that companies, organizations, that move from good to great are willing to take a realistic look at their situation, face the cold hard facts, (look at the evidence) in order to make decisions that will help the organization become great. The principle is called the Stockwell principle after the Vietnam POW James Stockwell who realistically looked at his difficult situation, but was also hopeful of being released. Other POWs who simply lived in the hope, or wishful thinking, that they would be released at any time often did not survive their imprisonment. The difference was looking honestly at the facts.

Has your church taken time out of its normal routine and looked at the evidence, the cold hard facts? It could make a big difference in the future direction of your church.