Are We There Yet? Maybe Not. . .

by Bill Zelazny, District Executive

June is a good time to take stock of the organization as it winds down from the church year. In taking stock, an issue that congregation leadership might want to consider is one raised by George Bullard, senior editor of the church leadership journal Net Results. In a recent article he notes that sometimes congregations experience the “illusion of arrival.” Leadership comes to believe “good enough is good enough,” that is, not fully understanding what it may take to develop a congregation’s potential and be faithful to the call to be a strong religious presence in people’s lives and in the community.

Bullard offers some examples of illusions:

• Belief that being faithful to the past or the history of the congregation represents excellent ministry. This illusion limits the future in a congregation’s vision.
• Belief that bringing in members is enough. This illusion overlooks the reality that if new members only maintain the present membership level a congregation’s reach in the community is actually declining if the area’s population is increasing.
• Belief that because the present style, quality and pace of the worship service is good it will appeal to the children and the grandchildren of the current members. This illusion does not ask the question “what do the newer generations find appealing?”
• Belief that funding the church’s budget requirements means the congregation is doing well. It may not mean this if current ministries are not fully being supported or new ministries cannot be funded.
• Belief new members will want to fulfill the agendas of present members. This illusion does not make room for what the new members may want to do to fill their aspirations.
• Belief that new programs will automatically bring in new members. This illusion forgets that the kind of welcome people receive and how they are assimilated into the congregation is what really makes it grow.

The question to be considered is: “What do we need to do to move beyond our illusions of arrival to be our very best and fulfill our potential as a liberal religious congregation in this community?” Perhaps something to think about over the summer.