Remember

This weekend we remember loved ones who have died,  especially those who served their country through military service. As we begin the 150th Anniversary of Civil War,we call to mind the many who have died protecting  and preserving our freedoms. We are grateful to those who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and offer our prayers  for  those  who lost  loved ones in  these wars. We also remember those  who have returned home with severe disabilities.

This is also the time   of year when many pastors who faithfully served their congregations (and may I say their country and communities through dedicated  service) are retiring. Many have  served  in unnoticed  ways; in smaller churches, with little recognition. I give thanks for their committed  service as I remember  pastors who influenced  my life: Pastor Hartman, Rev. Whitby, Rev. Gilbert who live now with the saints triumphant.

For all those who serve us in many ways ...may we remember and give thanks this weekend.

Management in a New Age

Gary Hamel in a short video http://bit.ly/jdRP9H states  that while modern management is one of the greatest innovations in the last century, it is not sufficient to meet the demands of today or the future. Modern management was about getting the most  out of people to make a profit.Today the need is to develop the full potential of  individuals.  In the church do we use people to fill positions and do jobs or do we help them develop their God given gifts?

Hamel says the future belongs  to companies and organizations that are adaptive, innovative, and inspiring. The challenge is to change as  fast as change itself, to see that innovation is the work of everyone , and bring the gift of creativity and passion to everything we do! They aspire to be the best, to challenge dogma (way things are done), and to  learn from the 'fringe'.

How well is your church prepared for the future?

Wedding, Beatification, Blast Off!

A Royal Wedding,  A Beatification, and Blast off into Space all in One Day.  While the Wedding received the most coverage, three special and  different events in one day. The magnificence of the Anglican ritual proclaimed  clearly the Church's message of faith and love  to millions. The Beatification honored a servant of God for compassion and care. The Endeavor launch highlighted human technology and a  woman's determination to be whole  again!

PS, The  launch was delayed..Technology fails, but 

 Gabrielle Giffords made it!!

Differing Views

Rob Bell’s (of the popular Nooma series) new book, Love Wins, has caused some major discussion and controversy in the evangelical church world. His book came from a comment on a note from a church member placed on a painting of Gandhi displayed during a church art event. The comment implied that Gandhi was in hell; to which Bell responded “who says so?” He has been criticized and even called heretic by some that he believes in universalism. For many of you this is not a controversy, but I raise it because many times in the church we have difficulty talking about difficult issues and allowing for differing viewpoints.

Recently Linnea Nilsen Capshaw  led a PRC workshop on equipping church members for ministry in the church and in the world. She referenced the book The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith. The book suggests that in Christian faith formation between the journey inward (stage 4) and the journey outward (stage 5) there comes a “Wall”, a time when a person struggles with unanswered questions and doubts. She shared that in the journey of faith many persons hit a wall with the questions, doubts, and struggles, but often the church does not provide the space or opportunity for the persons to break through the wall.

Many churches are facing difficult decisions about church life and faith—from what kind of worship should we have, what stays in or out of budget—to issues of lifestyles and sexual orientation. We speak about safe sanctuary for children (and it is important) but do we also have safe places for persons to discuss difficult topics and issues without our faith or commitment being questioned?

Lent is to be a time of reflection—remembering 40 days when Jesus was challenged about his faith. Perhaps if we allow Lent to be a time for questions asked, doubts expressed, and differing opinions allowed and appreciated… at the end of Lent we will find ‘new life’ within ourselves and our churches.

Team Playing & Looking Good on Paper

Pat Guillick ,adviser to the Philadelphia Phillies, recently said that the 2011 Phillies are a better team ON PAPER than his 2001 Seattle Mariners that won 116 games. Plans can look good on paper, but they need to be executed well by  the team to be effective and successful.

The recent Phillies teams have had success because they played well as a team; one person picking up when another player was struggling. They were a team that enjoyed being together, played hard, and had fun too. They also had a leader, manager, that they respected.

Your team in the church or at work can have ‘star’ players or persons with great ability, but if they do not work well together as team, the results can be less than effective and successful. Tom Rainer and Eric Geiger in their book “Simple Church” noted that  large churches that had ‘star’ staff members , but who were not a unified team behind a clear purpose,  ultimately did not do well in the long run.

An old saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. But you if your team is not united, does not work together toward a common purpose and execute the plan, then the  plan only ‘looks good’ on paper.  

Leadership in Time of Conflict and Change

Today we celebrate Presidents Day especially remembering George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both were great leaders at crucial times in our nation’s history. Washington led the nation in its infancy bringing together 13 colonies- new sovereign states- to form a union. Moving from monarchy to democracy – from separate colonies to a unified nation was no easy task. Lincoln had to lead a divided nation in the midst of a major conflict.

Leading in a time of change and conflict is difficult to say the least. John Kotter, former Harvard Business School Professor, writes there are  key factors in leading in a time of crisis and change. In such times, a leader needs to remain focused on the goal. Both Washington and Lincoln were focused on the goal of  ‘united states’ in America.

Both Washington and Lincoln knew there was as urgency about their task; waiting too long would result in failure to unite or reunite a nation. While both were  strong individuals, they  knew how to build a team around them.  Lincoln did care for some of his generals personally, but he knew they were great military leaders and could win battles. Both men empowered their team to use their skills to mold a nation

Lincoln and Washington had a vision for a strong nation based on democratic principles and both would help to communicate that vision to the people as Lincoln did so masterfully in the Gettysburg Address. (I recently viewed a documentary on Lincoln that detailed how he used the technology of his day – the newspapers- to articulate his views as he ran for the Republican nomination. The press would print his speeches so that thousands read what only a few hundred would hear him say in person- his Tweet/Facebook.)

Generating short term wins helps people to believe in the direction you are leading.  Washington had to confront the Whiskey Rebellion in order to establish the right of the federal government to tax.

Both leaders would not let up. They fought the temptation to give into the negative and remained focused on their mission. They worked to make the change stick. Before he was assassinated, Lincoln already was working on ways to bring the southern states back into the fold of the union—something that many resisted and almost caused the successful   impeachment of Andrew Johnson.

The Up Rising

Like you, I have been watching the historic events in Egypt. The commitment, courage, and calm of the demonstrators has been inspiring. It got me to thinking. Would I be willing to take such a courageous stand? If so,what would be the cause? Yes, I have written to congress, signed petitions, but would I stand for a week in the city square for a cause  unsure of safety and the outcome?

Mubarak 's desire to keep control and his unwillingness to deal with the demonstrations has weaken his ability to lead effective change in his country. When my position or views are challenged, how do I respond? Become defensive, ignore the opposition, fight?

While what we may face in opposition pales in comparison to what the Egyptians are facing, there are lessons to be learned. Several key values are important in  challenging and chaotic situations/times.  1) Be clear about you purpose/mission. The demonstrators are  clear about their purpose and mission. 2) Be willing to dialogue -speak, but also listen. (Something Mubarak  was unable to do effectively.)   Not every challenge that comes your way is valid, but that will only become clear if there is dialogue. 3) Patience and calm are strong virtues and give strength to resolve. 4) Have the courage to stand firm ,weather,  and face the opposition for the long haul; too often it is easier to give in or give up.

What thoughts do you have ?

PS As  I post  this Mubarak has left the Capital and turned power over to the Army

When Snow Changes Our Plans!!

Snow, sleet , rain... oh the fun of living in Pennsylvania. But Dallas has snow too!! All that fine tuned, orchestrated, and billion dollar preparation for the big game may need some changes to the game plan. I do feel bad for Steeler and Packer fans who may not get to the game, but Jerry Jones' billion dollar stadium complex  has to bow to mother nature. There is something ironic about $3500  tickets and $1000 parking spots at Walmart across the street and 4 inches of snow upsetting plans!

It is frustrating and disappointing when  our all our planning for something has to adjust or change. That is why it is good to have a plan B.

 We live a world  in world of change and the unexpected...look at Egypt this week. Leaders need to be flexible and ready to adapt. We cannot always control everything!  We need the best input, plans, and clarity about  our purpose,  but then we need to  decide, trust,  and move forward .And if it snows, sleets, or rains again, perhaps relax, take a pause, reflect, and then begin the process  again.
                                                                                
 PS  Go  Steelers!!

Church Meetings That Matter

Is this true for your church???

I recently led  a workshop on " Church Meetings That Matter" at the PRC. Participants shared what they enjoyed about  serving on a church board: know what is going on, sense of excitement as we move forward, sense of accomplishment, becoming better acquainted with the ministry and workings of the church. Frustrations were: lack of discipline on the part of some board members, long meetings, slow or lack of decision making, too much reporting, lack of enough prayer, being caught off guard or blind sided, lack of funds, and the disconnect of what the Board is doing and the congregation- communication.
While we did spend time on the nuts an bolts of an effective meeting
( agenda, reports  sent out ahead of time)  a major focus was on the  importance  of leadership development. Time  needs to be spent on building relationships,learning, and the spiritual growth  of leaders. Several recent studies on effective congregations point out that leaders who are growing spiritually and boards that are focused on prayer and discernment  are keys to effective ministry.

Below is a summary check list for key items for effective boards and meetings: How would you rate your church?

Trust among members

Unity

In Essentials -Unity ; In non Essentials-Freedom

In all things- Love

Willingness to deal and accept conflict

Common Vision &  Direction

Board Membership is about leadership

People serve out of their spiritual gifts

Building Relationships

Spiritual Growth

Training

Fun ,Drama, Excitement

Clear Agenda and Purpose

Accountability and follow up

Honest Participation and Sharing

Discernment

Major issues not voted on first time

Decisions Made

Permission Giving

Inclusion ages, long time members, newer members, gender, race

Consistency  -not major turnover

Length and number of meetings

Setting conducive fo rmeetings

Board Size   12-14     Committees  5-7

Appropriate organization for size of congregation  WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR EFFECTIVE BOARDS AND MEETINGS??

State of the Union/Church

Tonight President Obama will address a joint session of Congress and the nation during the annual State of the Union address. A new twist has been added this year- a symbolic gesture by Republicans and Democrats -members will not be seated by party. Early reports state the President will focus on the economy and jobs. Congress and the nation await to hear what plans he has to offer to meet these pressing issues .

What is the state of the union for your congregation?  What would you highlight -or did you highlight in an annual church meeting? Every President while raising issues also reminds the nation about what is good in Amercia. What would you celebrate in  your church?  What ministry has  especially changed lives this past year? What positive trends can you report?

What are the issues facing your church and community?  Are financial  and stewardship issues a major concern?  What is being proposed to deal with this issue? Is your congregation aging? Are 20-30 year s olds missing from your church? How will your ministry need to change?  Have you had to cut staff? How will these cuts effect your ministry? Are your adult members and leaders growing spiritually?

After the speech, comes the hard work.  Will party lines be drawn again and bitter debate begin? It is easy to analyze problems , criticize others, and  it is quite another thing to develop a plan and follow through and work for the common good.  Is there division is your congregation? Is there common ground? Do you have a plan and commitment to follow through no matter the cost?

Recently most Presidents have ended their speech with the call - "May God bless America". God has already  blessed the church with the power and gifts  of the Holy Spirit; we need to  be open to Spirit's leading and power.  

ML King's Vision & Bedrock Beliefs

At the recent Martin Luther King Breakfast sponsored by Crispus Attucks in Lancaster, Joyce Davis, President of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg and noted author,   spoke about King’s vision for not only justice and peace at home but globally. Injustices aboard ultimately effect justice in America and injustices in any part of American society effects us all.

She stated that King’s vision was sustained by his bed rock beliefs. His Christian faith and his faith in the American ideals grounded his hope that the vision would one day be fulfilled. King faced many situations that would have deterred and discouraged him that the dream would not be realized. His bed rock beliefs not only sustained him, but guided him in how he would work toward fulfilling the dream (i.e. non violence.)

Do you have a vision for your church? What are the bedrock beliefs that undergird that vision? What are the core values that guide and direct what you do?  A vision without a plan is only a dream, but a plan with no bedrock beliefs can be weak and ineffective. Vision and Mission statements can be broad and general; core values help to focus and give direction—they narrow the road traveled. 

What are  the values and beliefs that give grounding for  your congregation? Is your vision growing dim because you are frustrated; ready to quit or move on? How do your values and beliefs sustain you and your vision?