The 1960s paradigm (from business team development) is that groups “form, storm, norm, then conform.” The current model for church development emphasizes conformity to the pastor’s vision from the start. A church planter (not in Acts 29) told me he learned in seminary to expect a third of the congregation to leave when any change was made. That makes a pastor neither a good shepherd (I won’t worry about the 34 … there’s always more sheep) nor a good business manager (who can afford that level of customer churn?)
This is a great point — and that business paradigm is SO relevant! “Conformity to the pastor’s vision” was absolutely a priority in our church and others like it.
Do you have any recommendations of books or websites where I could learn more along these lines? (Church planting strategies, business practices being adapted into church, etc)
Joy, I’m not sure I can refer you … I’m mostly just old enough to have watched this in both church and business contexts. If it’s helpful to chat for an “living history” overview, feel free to reach out.
I really appreciate the way you are sharing things you learned from what you experienced. Attunement and being able to repair ruptures and work through conflict in healthy ways are all so important. Nice job writing this, even though I'm sorry you went through this painful experience and loss.
Thanks so much … yes, I’ve spent a lot of time working to understand what went wrong at our church (and am still reading and studying!) — because it was more than just “bad” people; there were systemic and cultural issues that helped create the environment. My hope is that what I’ve learned can help others somehow.
The 1960s paradigm (from business team development) is that groups “form, storm, norm, then conform.” The current model for church development emphasizes conformity to the pastor’s vision from the start. A church planter (not in Acts 29) told me he learned in seminary to expect a third of the congregation to leave when any change was made. That makes a pastor neither a good shepherd (I won’t worry about the 34 … there’s always more sheep) nor a good business manager (who can afford that level of customer churn?)
This is a great point — and that business paradigm is SO relevant! “Conformity to the pastor’s vision” was absolutely a priority in our church and others like it.
Do you have any recommendations of books or websites where I could learn more along these lines? (Church planting strategies, business practices being adapted into church, etc)
Joy, I’m not sure I can refer you … I’m mostly just old enough to have watched this in both church and business contexts. If it’s helpful to chat for an “living history” overview, feel free to reach out.
Heartbreaking. That photo speaks volumes. Keep writing…
Thank you!
I really appreciate the way you are sharing things you learned from what you experienced. Attunement and being able to repair ruptures and work through conflict in healthy ways are all so important. Nice job writing this, even though I'm sorry you went through this painful experience and loss.
Thanks so much … yes, I’ve spent a lot of time working to understand what went wrong at our church (and am still reading and studying!) — because it was more than just “bad” people; there were systemic and cultural issues that helped create the environment. My hope is that what I’ve learned can help others somehow.
God is able to use hard things to help others. May His healing and grace minister to you in this process.
So over capturing photos of the congregation in worship for content. Is nothing sacred anymore? Subscribed.
Yes - social media has really distorted our perspective and our relationships!