Transforming Churches: Alignment

In a recent conversation with a denominational leader, we both agreed very quickly that each church is unique. Not only is a church situated in a particular geographic context, but it has people with different gifts and opinions and a history of past experiences that is formative.

When a church enters into a process of transformation, its uniqueness can make it difficult to “get all the ducks in a row.” Getting everyone moving in the same direction can be a challenge. This is what we call alignment. In church transformation, two types of alignment are necessary.

First, we attempt to align the people to move in the same direction. This begins with spiritual and relational vitality, but the next step is communication about the way forward. This can only take place in face-to-face communication. Surveys gather information, but they do not engage people. Newsletters and social media communicate information to individuals, but we have no assurance that they receive the desired message. Alignment requires town hall meetings, small group dialogue, and personal conversations. It engages personal capital.

Second, we must align our church processes and structure with our mission and vision. Too many churches are attempting to move into a 21^stcentury vision with a 19^thcentury structure. There is nothing harder to kill than a church committee! Even when a committee has outlived its usefulness, someone will speak up to argue for its continuation. If a committee only meets once a year, is it vital to the mission of the church? When we struggle to find gifted individuals to be part of a committee that provides a gate-keeping rather than a ministry purpose, shouldn’t we realize that the “vision has departed” from this committee?

In effective churches, people serve in places of their giftedness. They see a clear connection between their service and the mission of the church. They see how their investment of time and energy are helping to achieve the vision of the church. They see themselves on mission with God.

As we consider the various components of church transformation, aligning people and processes may be the greatest challenge.

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