The expression “silver bullet” comes from folklore as a means by which to kill werewolves. It is also a metaphor for a powerful or simple answer to a complicated question. So when we refer to a silver bullets in church work, perhaps we are first of all admitting that ministry can be complicated! Churches are filled with people. People, including ourselves can be challenging. People are reluctant to do the hard thing, even if it is the better thing. We are often drawn to what seems more fun, pleasurable or just plain easier. For physical health we want to keep consuming sugar and sitting in the easy chair rather than watching our diet and exercising. Spiritually we come to accept our sinful tendencies and weaknesses instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness and help from God and the Body of Christ.
This also carries over to the church as a whole. It impacts how we think, what we assume and the actions we take or don’t take as a result. On the one hand we are extremely tempted by the “silver bullet” of a popular program, idea, book, sermon series, outreach idea, etc. We chase around the internet or the conference digging for what others have done and imagine that there just has to be something that is the answer (aka, the silver bullet).
You’ve tried the program, the book, the new ministry, the new series, the new staff member or music director or even the energetic new member. Yet you are still stuck. So the answer or the real silver bullet isn’t what you are thinking. It is what you are thinking. Read those last two sentences again. Put another way, the way out isn’t a new thing you need to do, but rather a new way that you need to think. It is a new or different mindset.
A mindset is a set of beliefs and assumptions about the world and how we engage, react and respond to it. Now let me say up front that what we are not talking about changing is our faith in Christ nor any doctrines, nor any significant changes to our practice. Not at all. What we are talking about is something that is so ingrained that we may not even notice.
For example: have you ever been at a meeting and someone said, “no one wants to serve” or “everyone’s so busy” then it is no wonder that you always lean on the same people and don’t have any new leaders. That is a mindset that has you stuck. Furthermore, the problem has likely gotten worse as the “workers” have a sense of pride or protecting their turf and look down on or have become critical of those who aren’t involved. You can go to all the workshops in the world and read all the books about recruiting and delegating but if you have this attitude or assumption (mindset) then you aren’t going to move forward anytime soon!
Or you might think people are drawn to a church based largely upon flashy programs or music or other elements. Is that really true? Do you want to start competing with the church down the street that does it bigger, better and with more flash than you do? If so, you’re not going to get very far. Do you really think that actually grows disciples? Or does it just draw a crowd and make you feel better? Or do we assume that proximity is making disciples? Get them through the door for the social event, the meal, the flea market and then they will come to church? What is that based upon? The reality is that it always comes down to people and relationships that are founded upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Occasionally those events can be means to forming relationships but they are almost always treated as ends to themselves. A faulty mindset that keeps us stuck.
We could go on. What mindsets do you have about people, money and fund raising, programs, pastors, staff, volunteers, how people grow as disciples, as leaders?
What is your goal? Or what is your goal behind your stated goal?
What needs repentance? What needs greater attention and intentionality?
There’s probably a lot between our ears that holds us back a whole lot more than our facilities and our bank accounts and even our pastor. So pick your favorite whipping boy or point of complaining and then start to dig deeper into your mindsets. Get those right and getting somewhere.
The expression “silver bullet” comes from folklore as a means by which to kill werewolves. It is also a metaphor for a powerful or simple answer to a complicated question. So when we refer to a silver bullets in church work, perhaps we are first of all admitting that ministry can be complicated! Churches are filled with people. People, including ourselves can be challenging. People are reluctant to do the hard thing, even if it is the better thing. We are often drawn to what seems more fun, pleasurable or just plain easier. For physical health we want to keep consuming sugar and sitting in the easy chair rather than watching our diet and exercising. Spiritually we come to accept our sinful tendencies and weaknesses instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness and help from God and the Body of Christ.
This also carries over to the church as a whole. It impacts how we think, what we assume and the actions we take or don’t take as a result. On the one hand we are extremely tempted by the “silver bullet” of a popular program, idea, book, sermon series, outreach idea, etc. We chase around the internet or the conference digging for what others have done and imagine that there just has to be something that is the answer (aka, the silver bullet).
You’ve tried the program, the book, the new ministry, the new series, the new staff member or music director or even the energetic new member. Yet you are still stuck. So the answer or the real silver bullet isn’t what you are thinking. It is what you are thinking. Read those last two sentences again. Put another way, the way out isn’t a new thing you need to do, but rather a new way that you need to think. It is a new or different mindset.
A mindset is a set of beliefs and assumptions about the world and how we engage, react and respond to it. Now let me say up front that what we are not talking about changing is our faith in Christ nor any doctrines, nor any significant changes to our practice. Not at all. What we are talking about is something that is so ingrained that we may not even notice.
For example: have you ever been at a meeting and someone said, “no one wants to serve” or “everyone’s so busy” then it is no wonder that you always lean on the same people and don’t have any new leaders. That is a mindset that has you stuck. Furthermore, the problem has likely gotten worse as the “workers” have a sense of pride or protecting their turf and look down on or have become critical of those who aren’t involved. You can go to all the workshops in the world and read all the books about recruiting and delegating but if you have this attitude or assumption (mindset) then you aren’t going to move forward anytime soon!
Or you might think people are drawn to a church based largely upon flashy programs or music or other elements. Is that really true? Do you want to start competing with the church down the street that does it bigger, better and with more flash than you do? If so, you’re not going to get very far. Do you really think that actually grows disciples? Or does it just draw a crowd and make you feel better? Or do we assume that proximity is making disciples? Get them through the door for the social event, the meal, the flea market and then they will come to church? What is that based upon? The reality is that it always comes down to people and relationships that are founded upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Occasionally those events can be means to forming relationships but they are almost always treated as ends to themselves. A faulty mindset that keeps us stuck.
We could go on. What mindsets do you have about people, money and fund raising, programs, pastors, staff, volunteers, how people grow as disciples, as leaders?
What is your goal? Or what is your goal behind your stated goal?
What needs repentance? What needs greater attention and intentionality?
There’s probably a lot between our ears that holds us back a whole lot more than our facilities and our bank accounts and even our pastor. So pick your favorite whipping boy or point of complaining and then start to dig deeper into your mindsets. Get those right and getting somewhere.
Rev. Scott Gress is believes in Growing People for Ministry by focussing on leadership, discipleship and teamwork. Contact Scott if you are interested in him working with you or your church. A free 30 minutes sample session is available to explore how you might work best together. The Coaching Leader Podcast is also available on iTunes and his YouTube page. You can contact Scott through email scottgress@me.com or his blog page scottgress.com or at 561-542-4472
Growing People for Ministry" Leadership + Discipleship + Teamwork
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