Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 October 2009 09:29:07
As part of my research I've gotten a package through from the Willow Creek Association UK and Ireland this week, one of their membership enquiry packs. It contained a few samples of the kinds of resources which membership allows you access to. One of these "goodies"-it was a bit like freshers fair in a folder- was one of their Defining Moments CDs on Managing Change.
Listening through the CD there were a few things that struck me, which were mainly non-research related but useful to talk about here, rather than just leaving in my personal reflective research journal.
Firstly part of the initial problem I realise I have with this type of thing is that they talk "suit". That is the language they are using is culturally appropriate for them, but drives me mad because it is so corporate in nature. Having to listen in a critical way I realised that I found myself getting beyond this use of language, realising that it is what is culturally relevant for themselves and their audience. To use a different language would be as problematic for them as their use of it is for me.
The second thing that struck me was the way that listening to this type of CD which is intended for "senior leaders", a term they used frequently, is actually useful listening for "the average bum on the pew". The CD used one example of change within a church. It woke me up to some aspects of the effect of change upon the leadership aswell as the church. This is important, I think, because if there were more widespread distribution of this type of resource then it might help more people to understand the demands upon our leaders and become more aware of our responsibilities in terms of not over burdening them. This in turn may help further develop a spirit of volunteering again within our congregations.
The CD also picked up on changing lifestyles which can actually make it more difficult for people to attend / volunteer mid-week. They highlighted the online resources they are developing. These are very useful, although it is important to remember not everybody - particularly amongst the economically marginalised - has internet connection.
What was evident, though, was the scale of the church can matter. This CD was a good teaching tool, giving excellent advice and making good points. However, it came from a mega-church where they were talking in terms of thousands rather than tens of people. To me it highlighted why co-operation between groups of churches, whether in terms of curcuits, local associations, dioceses, ecumenically in local geographical areas is important within the UK context particularly, where a large church is viewed as anything over about 300. The availability of resources is important.
Listening to the CD also made me stop and think about how those of us who are eagar for change in some ways, often using terms like "emerging" to express our hopes, fears and frustrations, need to stop sometimes and think. Yes we want change in the church, but we need to think about the effects of that change upon others, both the positive and negative aspects. We need to understand how the use of limited resources on certain projects will have on others and on how our wish for change will impact upon those who don't share our dreams and visions.