http://www.amazon.com/Church-Unique-Missional-Jossey-Bass-Leadership/dp/0787996831
After another Church Coaching Weekend and with several under my belt now, I can honestly say these statements that are listed below are really true. The real reason people call your church home ---- Get your kleenex out, it's a little sad.
1. Place – We make our buildings and then our buildings make us. People get addicted to space unless the space serves a bigger vision.
2. Personality – 15-35% of your people are most deeply connected to your church because of a pastor or staff member.
3. Programs – Just try to shut one down. It's hard to change when our people get their identity from how we do things instead of why we do things.
4. People – Many call your church home because they know a handful of people who sit near them or attend a class together. It's easy to rely entirely on the comfort food of community without cause.
Question: What is your unique calling as a church, that transcends place, personality, programs and people?
I remember Dr. Massey saying it like this? What is your niche?
Definitely see a 4 point sermon coming, probably to whoever is riding with Eric on a 60 minute or more trip.
ReplyDeleteIs any of this any different than it was 25 - 50 - 65 years ago? Not that much has changed since the boys came back from the big war. So we know why people come to our churches, and yes, it is sad. Or maybe not? We've all seen people come and then leave, sometimes in 1 week, sometimes in a year. Why?
Since we're looking at "P" words, how about Passion? Honestly, I believe the 4 P's are good ways to get folks loosely connected. But it's the Passion they see in the congregation for whatever, as Dr. Massey says, is their "niche" in their community, or circle of influence, that cements them in place. Without that passion, when the place changes, the pastor leaves, the program is shut down, or the people move on, then these individuals/families are gone in a heartbeat.
Bottom line though, everyone wants to believe their efforts are making a difference in their little part of the world, and as long as that feeling is present, these folks will be also. If every church can discover what it is really passionate about, and not try to be all things to all people (with all due respect to Paul), then we might be amazed at what the spirit and the Spirit can do.