The Rules of Effective Leadership and Ministry Constantly Change
Ever since my third book, Dancing with Dinosaurs, in 1993 I have been shouting everywhere that the basic rules for effectiveness in leadership and ministry are undergoing exponential change. If that message were true in 1990’s it’s even truer today. In fact, one could say that we are living in a time of discontinuity from the past. What use to work, no longer works. Even what we consider to be truth is under radical siege. A good example is happening right now.
Since TV became a household friend in the 60’s people many people receive their TV reception through rabbit ears or an antenna on their roof which receive an analog signal. Over the past four decades their reception has incrementally provided them with reception. Now the announcement has been made that in February of 2009 TV sets that receive analog signal only will no longer function. That means about a third of the country will have to either purchase a converter or buy a new TV set and a digital provider. The cheapest way to go is to purchase a converter but we all know you get what you pay for.
Now enter leadership and ministry. In times of great change most churches opt for the cheapest route so they try to convert something rather than adopt new techniques or technology or new leadership styles. A good example is how most traditional churches attempt to convert to a contemporary service. Rather than change the entire culture of the church so that is it contemporary with the times they merely tag a contemporary service onto what they have. And it sticks out like a sore thumb because the bulk of the church continues its inhibit traditional ways. Some even go so far as to try contemporary worship on a Friday or Saturday night in the hope they won’t have to deal with it and maybe it will fail.
But that’s not all. How many people do you think will not do either and when Feb. 18 rolls around and theri TV goes blank they will stare at the TV and wonder what happened when the rest of the world got the message? Some will wait till the last minute and rush out to purchase a converter only to find everyone else has bought all of them. Any comparisons here you can make with how most established churches have handled change over the past five decades?
Well buckle up folks. That’s not all the example from the changes in TV. With the new digital age, in the very near future (like 2010) you will be able to get your favorite TV program on demand instead of having to wait till it airs at the regularly scheduled time. Not only that you will be able to go into the archives of the broadcast company and watch your favorite old programs from years ago.What does that mean for ministry? It means that on demand ministry and leadership will replace everything we know about either. People won’t have to wait till Sunday to worship, or office hours for support. It means that leadership skills will have to be in flux every day of the year. It also means that seminary training as we know it will cease and our degree will take a life time to complete.Are you up for the changes? Are you one who likes a routine? If so you are in for a very bumpy ride. I’ve got to go. Change is calling.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Bill,
Your insights continue to shake me out of complacency, as they first did in October of 1994 when I attended your seminar in south St. Louis; and later in the Oklahoma Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)
I want to pay attention to how the church nurtures true, Christ-centered community in this “crack in history,” as you put it so well. As a congregation makes major adaptations to reach pre-Christians with the gospel and helps God save the world, how do we best show and tell those Christians who are feeling “left behind” in the old paradigm that their faith community still loves them?
Case in point: In an effort to reach more pre-Christians and younger adults we are moving our contemporary service TO Sunday evening at 6:00 PM FROM 8:45 AM. Several years before I came here, the contemporary service was placed at 8:45 because the later 10:50 service time was already being used for the traditional service. Some who worship at this later, traditional, service have a genuine concern about the unity of the congregation. They would love to have a “blended” service that will bring both worshipping groups into a single worship time once again. Another suggestion is that we have simultaneous services and then physically move together for the sermon and Lord’s Supper (which we celebrate weekly.)
This change to Sunday evening does not address the concern of those who want the congregation to be a united worshipping faith community. Your thoughts, please?
Blessings on your ministry,
Charles Ragland, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Claremore, OK
June 5th, 2008 at 5:38 am
charles, I dont like blended services at all. they just upset everyone. also the deal about unity is a crock. they dont know everyone in their service as it is. Unity has nothing to do with how many services a church has but with how well the people are in love with Jesus
July 9th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Hey!Every other blog I have read about Leadership Styles, has been lacking in information. Your insight into Leadership Styles is sooooo much better than anything else I have read. Thanks Amanda.