In his book the Advantge, Patrick Lencioni writes about the importance of Creating Clarity within an organization. Creating clarity is all about achieving alignment so as to minimize any possibility of confusion or disorder that might negatively impact our ministry. Lencioni would go on to suggest if leaders are going to bring clarity to their organization, then they must agree on the answer to these six questions: Why do we exist? How do we behave? What do we do? How will we succeed? What is most important, right now? And, who must do what?
Over the past few weeks I have addressed the first two questions, why do we exist and how do we behave. This week we will look at what is most important right now and who must do what. But first, let me remind you of the Congregational Discovery Workshop set for Tuesday night July 16 at 7:00. I truly believe that God speaks through the whole body in regards to where he is at work. I would feel blessed if you made it a priority to join us, and don’t forget to bring your “collection of intentional decisions” (See last week’s Nectar for the Soul article).
Then once we’ve assembled our collection ideas, we proceed to answer question number five: What is most important right now? What Lencioni suggests next is to take the ideas and lump them into three categories. For example, we could take all of the ideas and filter them through the three growth areas approved by the General Synod: Transformation in Christ, Equipping Emerging Leaders and Engaging in Mission. Then once we’ve categorized the ideas, the staff and Consistory would choose what we believe is the top priority to focus on in the next year.
Next, when the top priority is identified, Lencioni then suggests making it “The Rally Cry.” The rallying cry becomes the thematic goal answering the question, what is most import right now. Let’s just say through this process we discerned what is most important right now is that “we must identify and counter the obstacles to becoming equipped ambassadors and fishers of men.” That decision then becomes the rally cry for the next nine months to a year. So within the everyday activities of this ministry we would focus on equipping each other to become ambassadors and fishers of men.
Then once the rally cry has been identified, next the Consistory would begin to answer the sixth question: Who must do what? The Consistory would determine what team or committee or types of people would be most equipped and effective in helping us reach our new goal. And when that decision is made, the staff would be available to help equip and support. The rally cry or the thematic goal must become the collective responsibility of the leadership team.
In a small way this method reminds me of the process Nehemiah used to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. After examining the devastation to the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah gave this report, “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come—let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up.
They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work” (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
May it be said of us that we are always willing and ready to adjust to where God is at work.
Soli Deo gloria, Mike