Crossing Thresholds: Aligning Church Expectations (Part Two)

Diagram courtesy of Pinnacle Leadership Associates

In a previous blog post, I introduced a new process for churches titled Crossing Thresholds developed by colleague Mark Tidsworth (see diagram) and discussed the value of developing a vision statement as part of “Aligning Church Expectations.”

Developing a vision statement is the first part of this step; the second part is putting it into action. Most members, especially those who have invested themselves in the process of “Crossing Thresholds”, will be energized by the vision. They will see this as the next logical step in the life of the church and step forward to make it a reality. However, some will start to realize that “Adjusting Church Rhythms” (a previous step) may be necessary to achieve the vision, and they make not be comfortable with these changes.

Some changes that might need to be implemented to pursue a new vision could be one or more of the following:

Changing worship times or emphases to be more accessible to members and unchurched.
Restructure of ministry staff by downsizing or changing position descriptions.
Changing lay leadership positions that may result in the displacement of long-time volunteers.
Reallocation of funds from programs that are no longer effective to new emphases or “holy experiments.”
Repurposing, sharing, or even demolishing church facilities.
Relocating to another site where the church can more effectively serve the community.
Engaging in significant social issues that some members may see as controversial.

Disagreement about the way we do church is not unfamiliar territory; in fact, the New Testament would be much shorter if Paul, John, and others had not written letters to churches where there was disharmony or outright conflict! Even Paul and Barnabas, the “dream team” who stepped out in faith to carry the Gospel to a larger population, had a dispute when they began planning their second journey. In Acts 15, we find that they decided to go their separate ways. They didn’t disagree on the mission, just the way it was carried out. In some ways, the outreach was multiplied by having two missionary teams rather than one.

Hopefully, as we address change in the rhythms of the church, we can respect different points of view and help every person to understand their part in forwarding the vision of the church. This will require listening, accepting, and a commitment to serve Kingdom opportunities on the part of everyone in the fellowship.

(Diagram courtesy of Mark Tidworth and used by permission. Please contact Mark for additional information.)

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