Organizing Principles of MidSize Congregations

Source: George Bullard

Identifying the Three Factors of Core Congregational Ideology

1. Eternal Kingdom Mission.

Theology

What is the purpose of church?

Core Congregational Ideology

2. Everlasting Congregational Purpose.

DNA via History

Why was this church first founded?

A “past-to-present” statement

Core Congregational Ideology

3. Enduring Core Values.

Culture

What <7 things that, if not present, then this would be a different congregation?

Worship stuff, missions, denominational ties …

The Point? Don’t try to lead anything until you

understand the core ideology of the church—it is “core” for a reason!

This is the “master story” of the church

As leader, you don’t necessarily have to maintain this core ideology, but you can’t lead until you demonstrate that you understand it well enough to propose going in a different direction

Once You’ve Grasped the Core … Then take a look at four things

in congregational life to determine what is going on

Vision Inclusion (Relationship Experiences) Program Management

V.I.P.M Organizing Principles 1. Vision

The current understanding of God’s spiritual strategic direction of a local congregation

cast by leadership, owned by membership The dream that fuels the congregation forward “Felt” more than declared; <15 words You have vision when 15-20% of active

attending adults can answer “the question” right

“What’s so special about your church?”

V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 2. Inclusion (Relationship Experiences)

The relational process by which persons: are brought to faith, become involved, are connected with others, have opportunities for spiritual growth and

leadership development, utilize their gifts and skills (missional service)

Assimilation issues

Relationship to God and one another

V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 3. Programs

The functional attempts to provide occasional and ongoing ministries, services, activities, and training for people related to the congregation by membership, fellowship, or through inclusion processes

V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 4. Management

The administration of the various resources of the congregation

Decision-making structure Formal/informal culture of the church Readiness of the congregation for change/growth

4”B’s”: Bodies, Bucks, Buildings, & Boards Or ABC’s, nickels/noses, etc.!

Prime-time Alignment of Organizing Principles

Vision: Driver’s seat

Inclusion: shotgun front seat

Programs: backseat, passenger side

Management: backseat, driver side

Young or Old V.I.P.M. Positioning? Vision moves church younger,

Management older

Inclusion moves church younger, Programs older

All four are in the car, though

What’s working … (and what’s not)

Congregations that are growing in vision and inclusion (relationship experiences) are becoming more vital

Congregations growing in program and management are becoming more stagnant

Organizing Principles of MidSize Congregations

Copyright John P. Chandler, 2000