One characteristic of adaptive challenges (as opposed to technical challenges) is that an adaptive issue always requires people to learn more about the situation. In light of this need, this question may help:
Have you noticed when walking through a house, you can often tell when it was built or last updated? So it is with churches. Carey Nieuwhof says that “every church has a date on it” and then provides a right question your church may want to ask:
What is the date on your church?
Congregations that are alive are congregations that can embrace change, help people in the midst of changes of their lives, and offer experiences of transformation.
In thinking about increasing generosity among members, Rosario Picardo suggests we keep in mind some things potential givers want to know.
Does my giving make a difference?
Do I matter to my faith community?
How will my resources be used?
What is the vision I’m giving toward, and what is the plan for reaching it?
How can I get involved in the ministry I am supporting financially?
The first rule of church leadership is that we must keep our focus on God and the things of God above all.
Generosity is a fruit of God’s grace, the product of a transformed heart, and it develops in an atmosphere that encourages it, celebrates it, and reproduces it consistently over time.
Joseph L. Badaracco teaches business ethics at Harvard Business School and has written extensively about the importance of character in leadership. He recently wrote about five practical questions that can help improve decision-making when information is incomplete and opinions divided.
What are the net, net consequences of all my options?
What are my core obligations?
What will work in the world as it is?
Who are we?
What can I live with?
What are my core obligations?
What will work in the world as it is?
Who are we?
What can I live with?
