We only have two workshops left in 2017, and they may be two of the most important we have done so far. They are:
November 12: Actions That Keep a Church On the Side of Growth. Plus: Mature/Immature Characteristics of Churches. In this workshop, we will explore the 10 traits that years of study reveal mark churches that remain on the growing edge of things. These 10 traits are not simply ideas but are actions incorporated into the life of the congregation. Tied to these actions are 11 characteristics of mature congregations given with the contrasting immature characteristics. When you look at these 21 items as a “package deal,” you can begin to understand what separates the “sheep from the goats” when it comes to moving ahead. They are specific, concrete, and all are doable.
November 19: How Your Church Family Works. This workshop will investigate how the church functions as an emotional system and the importance of system thinking as opposed to straight-line thinking. In the words of Peter Steinke (whose book we will be using): “What most distinguishes relationship systems from other systems are emotional processes. These processes are driven around two forces: the need to be separate and the need to be close. The two forces are in tension; they are anxiety-producing.”
In this session, we will compare the 10 contrasting characteristics of “Undifferentiated” and “Differentiated” people, and will quickly see how the “Differentiated” characteristics could easily be an expansion of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 3:22-23), and so essential to the healthy functioning of the church.
I guarantee you will hear some things about church you have never heard before and be introduced to some ideas that will definitely help us get ready for the successful ministry of a new pastor.
-Ron Higdon