I’ve been working on developing a framework of “organizational wisdom” for churches that can help them do a better job of discerning and then deciding their next best steps to accomplish their mission.
One of the ideas I’m exploring is that many of the wisdom principles taught in the book of Proverbs apply to groups as well as individuals. If the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, then just behind that is self-awareness. To grow in wisdom we must have a realistic view of who we are and who we are not.
One thing I’ve been coming to grips with over the past few months is my sense of grandiosity. I’ve been guilty of thinking of myself more highly than I ought. Who I thought I was and what I thought I was capable of when I was 23 has changed drastically over the past 15 years, with some accelerated adjustment required in the past few months. Having a grandiose view of ourselves sets us up for a miserable existence, because we’ll never live up to our over-the-top expectations. As our delusions of grandeur lead us into repeated disappointment, we either keep beating our head against the wall, or we develop a more a realistic view of our strengths and weaknesses and adjust our expectations accordingly. Learning to make adjustments in the wake of mistakes, disappointments, and failures is one characteristic that separates a person of wisdom from a fool.
One of the maladies afflicting too many churches is organizational grandiosity. Many churches think more highly of themselves than they ought. They believe they’re the next Willow Creek, North Point, or Mars Hill. They never experience the joy of the Lord, because of their chronic disappointment from not measuring up to their unrealistic expectations. They have discovered the secret of how to be miserable in all circumstances.
This is where someone will object and say, “But God can do anything!” Of course he can. But most churches would enjoy the journey more if they left room for God to surprise them by surpassing their humble expectations, while learning to be content in their present situation if he doesn’t. (That almost sounds Biblical. See Philippians 4:10-13)
I wonder how the leadership conversations at churches would change if they developed a greater sense of self-awareness, which would help them be at peace with who they are as a church and the kinds of ministry God is realistically calling them to do?
Of course balance is needed. I’m not suggesting churches resign themselves to mediocrity any more than I’m advocating they set themselves up for perpetual disappointment by setting goals they have no chance of achieving. Somewhere in the middle is a church seeking to be all that God is calling it to be by living up to its potential and deriving much joy from the pursuit.
And what is required to strike this delicate, but essential balance? You guessed it: Organizational Wisdom.
Help me out: how would you go about helping a church become more self-aware?
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
Amen, brother!
We need a 12-step program that will guide such church leadership to recognize this…wait, make that a 120-step program (ain’t gonna be easy)
It’s kind of like the Prosperity Gospel for organizations: “If we do everything right, God will reward us in whatever way we think is best!” If 12-Step Guide to Organizational Wisdom is your latest book idea, I think it’s an extremely good one 🙂
Jody–Great to hear from you bro. I hope all is well in land of the Mid.
Laura–thanks for the encouragement. I’m not sure if this material will end up in book, but hopefully in a seminar or two.
Huge subject, Wade.
I would add that many grandiose ideas of self potential are rooted in underlying critical judgments of how things are elsewhere. Often critical judgments feel like vision … Only because they create a picture based in pride regarding how I will NEVER do things if I ever get the chance.
Fresh unique God rooted and tested vision rooted in a culture of healthy assessment of strengths, weakness, complimentary partners and team alignment – helps!
You can never over do healthy and regular strategic planning that includes professional outside help, key measures, objectives, and ongoing assigned timelines in a grace and mercy filled culture of rewards, accountability, and celebration.
Most often – if a leader has the negative root of a critical judgement and negative inner vows in their heart of something they strongly “Never Will Be Like” – they’re only a short distance away from what Peter experienced in the courtyard.
Likewise this same issue raises up pride in us regarding how great things will/could be if the inner vow is kept and people buy in to the unique great idea.
Though wisdom cost you everything – go for great wisdom and soak in healthy fresh revelation.
God will bust out 1,000 Ray Lewises and 100 Troy Polamalus on any man or team rooted in pride. But he’ll surround a humble wise team with grace to carry out … whatever it is.