In a previous blog I wrote about the elements that helped our new merged church structure to begin. In this blog I look at the initial steps I took as the lay leader and why I chose them.
First, my meditation practice helps me to remain calm and open. According to a Forbes online article (http;//onforb.es/1d6POsz) from InSEAD Knowledge by Randel S. Carlock, regular meditation improves both self-awareness and social awareness or an empathic understanding of others. It gives me a sense of grounded equilibrium from which to understand others and see situations.
Peter Senge, Hal Hamilton, and John Kania in “The Dawn of System Leadership” write that a system leader needs these core qualities, seeing the larger system, caring about the health of the whole system, encouraging reflection, and listening deeply to everyone regardless of their perspectives. I believe that all organizations operate as human systems, including churches. According to the authors the above-mentioned qualities help a leader to cultivate the organizational practices of speaking frankly, facing difficulties, and working together more creatively. Because our structure is so new, I focused on three ways to support the whole organization or system and to support reflection and inclusive discussion.
- Creating and maintaining a committee and meeting structure As soon as possible we established the members of the new committees and the regular meeting times for the committees. This action supports the health of the whole system by establishing an enduring structure in which information, discussions and actions can take place. As moderator I can also gage the success or need for change of any initiatives.
- Inclusion The effort to include as many congregants as possible, I believe, also enhances the overall health of the system because of the explicit message that all are welcome and encouraged to be active in the church. This also conveys the message that all are valued and respected. When people feel encouraged, valued and respected, they are then free to talk openly about their ideas and concerns.
- Communication Endeavoring to communicate activities and decisions in multiple and timely ways to the congregation supports the health of the whole system by maintaining the flow of information to everyone. Again, timely, accurate information along with a sense of inclusion also encourages new ideas, reflections, conversations, and activities.
I know there will be meetings when negative expressions of difficulties and discouragement will seem to predominate. These beliefs and observations need to be acknowledged, accepted and worked with in the same way as more positive communications. Listening to and responding to problems will also increase a sense of being respected, valued and heard, setting the stage for creative problem solving.