I
am employed in a parish that is in the midst of transformation. I know that
if true transformation is to take place …certain elements need to be in
place:Congregational transformation can be an exciting time of growth. It also requires tremendous commitment and fortitude.
I
am employed in a parish that is in the midst of transformation. I know that
if true transformation is to take place …certain elements need to be in
place:
Society has radically changed over the last twenty, even ten, years. Congregations can't follow old patterns and norms and expect to be relevant to this changed and changing society. Recognizing a need for change is only the beginning. There needs to be willingness to change and an understanding of the type of change required. It is not good enough to say, "We want our numbers to grow." It is better to ask, "What is the reason for our church in this place, at this time?" A parish should have a vision that people understand and are excited about.
In my parish transformation process, we read books, sought out consultants, and held meetings and focus groups. A vision and mission statement was produced and an extensive ministry plan put in place.
One thing that was obvious was that the building had become too small. In order to grow, space was required. It was decided to move to a larger building. The present building was given to a senior's care home for use as their chapel and a church was purchased. The congregation is meeting in a school gym while they await their new church. We have likened it to "wandering in the wilderness".
This in-between time is an important time of self-discovery:
We are constantly reminded of our mission statement - we read it, pray it, and print it. We look at our ministry plan regularly and "check-in" as to how we are progressing. We have consultants we use constantly. We are always reading and learning. Although we are moving to a new facility, that is not the main goal, but rather a step along the way to reach our goals.
Leadership is Key
Leadership
is key through all this. The person "at the helm" must be passionate,
knowledgeable and have the ability to lead others, allow others to lead, and
infect others with his/her passion. Her/his primary goal is to serve Christ
first. Our priest is constantly "mining for gold". He gets to know
people, discovers their gifts and talents and then gives them the opportunity
to share these gifts and talents in the life of the parish. He is building up
a core of leadership that is excited about the parish, its potential and its
vision.
Many people are excited and enthusiastic about this place. There have been others who have resisted change. They have seen their old ways of matriarchs and patriarchs disappearing and they have feared a loss of identity and control. They haven't wanted to grow. They liked the small, social group they had in the old church.
In this situation the leadership must remain faithful to the vision. As we have persisted in moving towards our vision in this parish, we are finding that most of the people who were resisting change and at times trying to sabotage it are now "coming aboard". In the end they don't wish to be left behind. As they begin to integrate into the emerging parish they are greeted with love and acceptance.
A good leader models good leadership. A good leader is in the trenches, serving. A church leader is a servant of Christ and is faithful to that calling. A church leader is constantly listening to and connecting with God.
An Exciting Place to Be
A parish that has shared ministry, vision, and leadership is one that is enabling itself to grow and transform. It is an exciting and fulfilling place to be. People are given a variety of opportunities to discover who they are and want to become. They begin to understand what it is that makes them a unique and special gift to the community they wish to serve. They encourage others to use their gifts and talents. Bill Easum speaks of "permission giving" leaders:
Today's leaders focus on permission giving rather than control or managing. They are both individualistic and collaborative. They network individuals and teams through a shared vision of a preferred future. They facilitate ministry in others. … Their passion is to develop other leaders who will develop other leaders.
People hunger for community and intimacy. Many are looking for moments to find peace and a chance for reflection. As a parish grows, it must seek ways to engage people in ways that allow them to feel accepted, part of things, known.
Elizabeth Short is a member of the staff at All Saints Anglican Church, Cochrane, Alberta. You can contact her at elizabeth.short@shaw.ca.
Congregational News April 2006 Vol. 12 No. 3