Leading Ministry in a Changing Environment Heartland & Crossroads Districts Oklahoma Conference UMC February 10, 2018

Story of Choluteca Bridge in Honduras, Hurricane Mitch 1998, Choluteca River moved Highways wiped out on either side. The very purpose for which it was built had shifted   Being the church is not easy today not because people are not seeking meaning and purpose —in fact some report even more so But more are seeking outside the church, outside of organized religion

A Culture That Once Pushed People Toward the Church

Generational shifts The GI Generation The Consumer Generations Group identification Sameness Deferred pleasure Stewardship of saving A spirituality of place Individual identification Difference Instant gratification Stewardship of investing A spirituality of journey The basic model is membership. How will everyone fit into and support the group / community? The basic model is discipleship. How will my engagement with Christ and the church change my and others’ lives?

A Culture That Now Pushes People Away From the Church

deep change… or slow death. When an organization or institution has lost its connection with its own environment there is only one choice: deep change… or slow death. Deep Change, Robert Quinn

A Simple Systems Model (Edwards Deming) Inputs Throughputs Outputs Resources Activities Product Nouns Verbs Results Non-profit dilemma: Non-profits routinely do not know what they produce Systems that can’t measure their outcomes commonly measure their input In non-profit systems inputs are commonly mistaken for outcomes

Non-Profits routinely Non-Profit Dilemma Non-Profits routinely do not know what they produce

The Shifting Mainline Paradigm The Inherited Paradigm   The Biblical Paradigm Outcome: more members, contented clergy & congregations Outcome: Disciples (changed lives who will change the world) Input: members, clergy, churches

Table Conversation Are we spending more time and energy on asking ourselves whether people are happy in the church or what it is that God is asking of us?

A Simple Systems Model (adapted for Social Sector/Church) Outcomes: The difference we are called to make Inputs Throughputs Outputs Resources Activities Results Gifts Ministries Fruit Non-profit dilemma: Non-profits routinely do not know what they produce Systems that can’t measure their outcomes commonly measure their input In non-profit systems inputs are commonly mistaken for outcomes

Start with WHY

Outcome: working definition For the church, an outcome is (1) the difference that (2) you believe God has called you to make (3) in this next chapter of your life.

Aspirations Priorities Outcomes

Outcomes Proximate Steps Require Discernment

Discernment Questions Who are we now? Who is our neighbor now? What is the difference God is calling us to make?

Outcomes Proximate Steps Require Discernment Limit the Number Outcomes First Measurable

The difference we are called to make Counting & Measuring Outcomes: The difference we are called to make Inputs Throughputs Outputs Resources Activities Results Gifts Ministries Fruit [-----------Countables-----------] [--Measurables--]

Data Information Knowledge/Wisdom Action The Role of Data Data Information Knowledge/Wisdom Action

Data as a Tool Proxy Variables Points to the Present Part of a Larger Process

Traps that Snare Leaders Resistance to Change Anxiety in the System

Behaviors of an Anxious System people become reactive herd together for security blame other people seek quick fixes sabotage their leaders

Traps that Snare Leaders Resistance to Change Anxiety in the System Problems v Conditions Activities v Outcomes Planning v Discernment Scarcity Mindset Nostalgia Unchecked Empathy

Wrap Up What are your take-away’s from today? What conversation do you want to have when you return home? What’s your next step?