Firm Foundation vs. Quick Fix
We live in a quick fix, instant change world. If it takes more than a couple of seconds to get an answer through a Google search, many people are annoyed. While we have access to information more quickly than ever before, creating change in systems doesn’t happen nearly as quickly.
Think about the last time you installed an update on your phone or computer. It probably took anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and involved the device shutting down and restarting at least once. Sometimes the update fails and you have to do it all again.
When it comes to changing a system where people are involved, the process is even more complicated. You can’t simply download and install a new operating system for your church. To effect change in a congregation or community requires work on the foundation, involves forming new habits, and unlearning some ideas. This doesn’t happen overnight.
While many people instinctively understand that lasting change takes time, we have become so used to things happening quickly that the prospect of investing in a long-term process of change can be difficult. Add stress(like a pandemic, or reduced giving, or fewer people in worship) to the desire to have change happen quickly and the process of change becomes more complicated.
When people are under stress two tendencies emerge – ‘Go with what you know’ and ‘Try to remove the stress as quickly as possible’.
- Go with what you know. In times of stress, people often default to their experience, even if the experience wasn’t a good one. In the congregations, this can lead some leaders to assume that the solutions that worked in the past will automatically work in the present. While solutions from the past can provide inspiration, the strategies that worked 40 years ago (or even 5 years ago) may not work today.
- Try to remove the stress as quickly as possible. Few people enjoy stress or conflict. The tendency is to avoid stress or conflict or to resolve the stress or conflict as quickly as possible. This can mean that the symptoms of an issue are addressed instead of the root cause. While treating the symptoms may alleviate the immediate pain, if the root cause isn’t addressed, the symptom will come back.
When Jesus began his ministry, he didn’t start by feeding the 5000. Jesus started by sharing the good news about God’s love for the world with anyone who would listen. He mentored the twelve and a few others to help them grow in their life of faith. Jesus invested time in developing a foundation for their shared ministry and even with Jesus present and guiding the way, there were hiccups and problems along the way.
If the goal is to nurture lasting congregational vitality, it requires developing and maintaining a firm foundation, not simply implementing a quick fix program.
Reflection Questions
- What stresses are currently a part of your congregational system?
- Identify five strengths, gifts, assets, or leaders that are foundations for your congregation.