June 2010
Harris Coaching and Consulting            
Thoughts for Leadership and Life


In This Issue
Change? Thanks, but No Thanks!
Resources - Not Your Parents' Offering Plate
Previous Newsletters
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Friends and Colleagues,


Leaders in the church (and about everywhere) get involved in trying to lead change.  But change isn't easy, is it!  One book's title puts it well: Change is Easy - You Go First.  This month's main article takes a look at a dimension of leading change that is often not appreciated.

The resource section highlights a book that will add to my last month's column on stewardship.  I so appreciate Bill Taylor's contributing this review.


As you move into summer, you might consider taking some time to reflect on how you're doing and to set some commitments for fall.  I'd love to coach you as you do this, asking deep questions to help you clarify and focus.  Give me a call or send an email.

 

If you know someone who might benefit from my thoughts here, please use the "Forward to a Friend" button in the newsletter (that way you'll avoid problems with spam filters).

 

Here's to clarity about how God is leading us!

 

Peace,

 

Bob




Change?  Thanks, but no thanks!  Part 1

For a decade I have used Palm devices (Handspring, Pilot, Treo) to keep myself organized.  What a wonder they have been!  Prior to using these electronic marvels, I kept myself organized with paper Day-Timers.  But the Palm platform did all that and more.  It featured a calendar, task list (on which I could remind myself to get my wife a birthday card as well as prepare for the annual meeting), memos (covering everything from various committees to personal medical records), and a contact list (where I could have phone numbers, addresses, directions to a particular office, etc.).  Palm had a "hot sync" which enabled me to have all my data on both the handheld and the computer.  Made it very easy to work with.  And even more, my Palm Treo PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) was my cell phone.  I loved it. 

But then my Treo started slowing and crashing.  My computer whiz son told me gently that it was an antique (3 years old?!).  Verizon, my wireless carrier, came out with the Palm Pre Plus!  "Everything will transfer to the new phone," declared the pleasant sales woman. It would be seamless.  No problems.

Ha!  Two and a half months into the new device, I sometimes want to thrown it against a wall, stomp on it, and then take a hammer to what pieces remain!

The transition was not seamless.  I like the web access the new gadget has (not much more expensive), but lots didn't transfer.  (e.g. all the addresses and other info)  Moreover, it doesn't sync with the computer so I have to enter things on the tiny keyboard.

This has been a learning opportunity about change!

We often try to bring about change in our churches or other organizations.  We see the need for change - declining attendance, changed community, etc. - but so many resist that change!

I liked the Palm system that I had.  I didn't want to change it, but I had to!

And isn't that just like many church members are.  They are comfortable with the way they have always done it.  In an ever changing crazy world, at least they can come to church and expect something unchanging.  They prefer the somewhat dysfunctional that they have to the possibly greatly more functional possibility (but not for sure).

Kenneth McFayden, Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, has written an excellent book on leading change: Strategic Leadership for a Change - Facing Our Losses, Finding our Future. He stresses the often overlooked work of dealing with grief. 

When leaders propose a major changes, there will be those for whom it is painful.  They may recall the glory days of the 1950's when the sanctuary was filled with families singing the classic hymns of the tradition. They recoil at changes in the liturgy. When big changes are proposed with the building - a sanctuary renovation, church school remodeling, or more - they recall baptisms, weddings, confirmations, funerals.  Memories wash over them. 
It is critical for leaders to assess members' attachments to whatever has been that needs to change and help them deal with the potential changes.

So, as you lead your members through change, here are some questions you might ask yourself and others:
  • what memories does this proposed change evoke?
  • what do you see now?  In the church building?  In worship?  In the neighborhood?  What changes are going on that bother you?
  • how has the culture changed?  To what extent is church membership important to your children or grandchildren?  For what might they be searching?
  • what regrets and sadnesses do you have about where our church is now?  about your contribution (or lack of contribution) to its current status?
  • as you talk with those not in your church, what are some hurts and hopes and hungers that might be met by the good news of the Gospel?  How might your church embody that good news?
  • How are the proposed changes consistent with the church's heritage of ministry?
Key is helping friends to express their grief (you know the stages) and then move on the new adventure God has in mind for them.

I'm still grieving the effective system that my Palm Treo offered and am grudgingly moving into the web based operating system.  But every day things are a little better. 

Many books have been written about leading change.  I can only suggest a few thoughts that I've gleaned from them.  Next month I'll offer some other ideas.  If you'd like some suggestions of books on change I've found helpful, please send me an email. 

I'd love to coach you and/or your governing board regarding this process.  Give me a call and we can discuss possibilities.

If you know someone who might find this newsletter helpful, please forward it to them - and please use the button in the newsletter.

Here's to healthy churches - with healthy leaders!


Resources - books and other resources that have been helpful

J. Clif Christopher's "Not Your Parents' Offering Plate:A New Vision for Financial Stewardship" (Abingdon Press, 2008)

Frustrated because your appeal for church funding falls on deaf ears? Are your church members choosing to give to other organizations and programs?  Today it is not enough to simply say, "Give us more money because we need it -NOW!" (Intro. p. xvi)

Christopher's book provides those who are concerned about church finance a real wake-up that will change your concept of stewardship and end those last minute appeals for "help."  A practical book that makes the mission and program come alive and provide you with the funding you need..

Through his ten principles of Christian Stewardship you will revolutionize your stewardship campaign in exciting ways.  Last November my Stewardship chair and I  saw an increase of 3.5% in pledged giving using Christopher's ideas.  That was a time when churches were seeing decreases in their pledge results.

This will be the best stewardship investment you have ever made.

Review by William E. Taylor, B.S., M.Div., CMT
A retired PC(USA) pastor serving Pleasant Home United Methodist Church, Gresham OR


What books or resources have you found especially helpful?  I'd be glad (with available space) to share your reviews and/or suggestions.
Previous Newsletters
Here is a list of my previous newsletters.  If you would like one or more newsletters, please email me and I'll be glad to give you links to them.

[email protected]

May 2010 - Another Angle on Stewardship

April 2010 - Bullies in the Church???

March 2010 - A Coaching Approach to Leadership

February 2010 - Discerning a Mission and Vision

January 2010 - Feedforward - a different kind of 360

December 2009 - Appraisals - Part 2

November 2009 - Appraisals - Part 1

October 2009 - Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Getting Results

September 2009 - Five Dysfunctions - Ownership and Accountability

August 2009 - Five Dysfunctions - Good Fights

July 2009 - Five Dysfunctions - Building Trust



 
Future Issues (monthly)
  • Leading Change - Part 2
  • Getting Going in a New Church

I hope you have found this newsletter informative and helpful.  Please subscribe to continue receiving it (or unsubscribe to stop).  If you'd like to explore coaching, please email or call me.

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Bob
Robert Harris
Harris Coaching and Consulting