Let’s Talk About Our Congregation’s Future… or Not? (Part 3)

We’ve been considering conversations about your congregation’s future. Whether you’re an elder/deacon who wonders if your pastor is willing to have that conversation or if you’re a pastor wondering if the elders/deacons are ready for that conversation here are four “rules of thumb” for leadership and congregational conversations about the future. 

1. Seek God

At the end of my last blog, I made a case that talking about our congregation’s future honor’s God’s sovereignty. At the core of that assertion is the question of whether we all believe that God is the God of our future – and – that he wants to lead us as intimately as children into that future.

Congregational conversations about the future have to start with seeking God’s heart for the future of our church. My guess – my experience – is that a lot of people will affirm that God is the God of the future, but then stop short of seeking God’s voice and revelation about the future.  

When it comes to a congregational conversation about the future, talking about listening to God is a great place to start. How do we hear the voice of God in our congregation? Congregational vote? Analysis packages? A few folks who hear directly from God? Where does the Word of God written fit into our conversation? Spending time in conversation about listening for God’s voice sets the tone and expectation that this is a conversation about God’s heart – not our own desires. 

2. Make it an “all in” conversation.

I’ve been in the middle of congregational conversations about a congregation’s future when someone pulls me aside and tells me, “I heard from God.” Many times, it has been a reflection on a conversation that has been happening and that person reveals a new understanding of God and His church that has occurred. Other times, though, it is a person who is insistent that God spoke to directly and gave that person the way forward which everyone else needs to hear and follow. I’ve had moments where that one person was, in fact, used by God to move an entire congregation toward a God honoring future, but I’ve also seen how it can isolate a person

In whatever way these voices from God arise, conversations about a congregation’s future should not start with a division that some people are able to “see” the future or “hear” God’s voice and others aren’t. The Reformed tradition has long held that all God’s gifts to believers are there to contribute to the building up of the church. While we say that, Reformed folks also have to acknowledge that we’re usually more comfortable with the Word of God than the Spirit of God speaking to us. The truth is that we need both. 

Congregational conversations require those who are inquiring into the Holy Spirit to speak what they hear from the Spirit. It requires those who are leaning into God’s Word to speak what they hear from God’s Word. It requires those who have wisdom about the times and what to do (see David’s Men of Issachar and Moses’ reason for inviting Hobab) to speak from their wisdom and knowledge that God has given them. Congregational conversations about the future are not an either/or conversation. They are an “all in” conversation. When we begin those conversations, let’s make those conversations invitational by acknowledging that any conversation with God is an “all in” moment with God. 

3. Talk about change and transition as different realities.

Conversations about the future are hard because we primarily see change externally, while transition is most often an internal journey.  

I’ve seen marriages struggle when empty nesting begins. Both people saw the change coming, but both are processing it differently (one has a sense of relief and one a deep sense of loss). I’ve seen congregations struggle. Most everyone saw the change – people moving to new housing away from the church – but they all processed the transition differently (some focus on loyalty requiring staying with the church no matter where you live; others see mission in terms of joining with others where you live). 

Change and transition are different. Small changes (i.e. I change my clothes every day) don’t really require a lot of internal transition. A larger change (i.e. loss of a job or loss of a spouse) requires a large internal transition. 

The same is true for congregations. Changing a worship order item doesn’t usually require a lot of internal transition. Changing the entire worship space seating and color design is more difficult; selling the building and closing or moving is a whole different story of change and level of internal transition.

During congregational conversations about the future, let’s acknowledge the change that we’re facing; but just as importantly, let’s also name the transition (or as Bridges puts it – the psychological internal shifts) we’re facing. Let’s ask what transitions will ______ change require of me? Require of us as a congregation? Require of us as leadership?

Seek to be clear when people are struggling with change and be clear when they are struggling with the internal transitions?

4. One and done is usually not an option.

I have a good friend whose rule of thumb for navigating a change in a congregation is this: It requires 1 meeting for every decade the congregation has existed. If the congregation is 11-20 years old, then 2 meetings are required. If the congregation is 110-120 years old, then 11-12 meetings to are required to navigate a change. Younger congregations, just like younger people, often navigate change (and its transitions) more easily than older folks.  

Whatever the number of meetings, acknowledge that navigating and processing change and transition takes time. It’s not a one and done deal. So, get started. Seek God. Get people in. Be clear about transition and change. Finally, acknowledge up front that conversations about the future (its change and transitions) are daunting and difficult. In all likelihood, it will take longer, be more complex and require more energy than you planned. 

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IndependenCE or Denominational Identity?

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Let’s Talk About Our Congregation’s Future… or Not? (Part 2)