At this year's Willowcreek Leadership Summit Dr. Michael Porter a Harvard business professor challenged us to ask the question, "are we doing good, well". His contention is that most congregations that are trying to do good – aren't doing it very well. He said that at best we are ineffective and at worst we could be doing harm. He suggested that we change our mindset from charity & giving to that of delivering a service to a customer. He recommended that we ask "how can we add value to this particular customer." For Porter results are the key. He recommends a strategic approach that asks four questions: 1. Do we have clearly defined goals about what our objective is? 2. Where will we serve? 3. How will we serve? What specific needs will we address? More is not better. 4. How will we create alignment? Porter advocates for a sustainable solution model. There was much more to his presentation and I recommend you check it out at www.willowcreek.com/leadership2007.
I was really challenged by Porter's presentation. I believe that getting Christians to "do good" is valuable to them, to the person being served, and to the Kingdom. However, I was challenged to move beyond just the act of service. I was challenged to think more strategically – to see that providing sustainable solutions is what the Kingdom is all about. I will think differently about what my congregation ought to be doing and how I will help other congregations in the future. What do you think?
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3 comments:
there are lots of big words in this shuman. i'm not even in school yet...geez.
jk. i'll get back to you, and thanks for the post.
Ken:This post sounds very business like in its approach and I am OK with that as I have learned to live in the secular world with Jesus.It does make many say"we are about Kingdom business and not about running a business and you cant measure it the same way." Now I see where this professor is saying just the opposite.I have long been in the camp that much can be learned from the business world and applied in the sacred realm especially our approach-methods. I hate those who approach Kingdom business with half hearted-half X?% ways when in fact this is the most important work we will do. Why does volunteer mean:Show up late,unprepared,provide no leadership,and if it all falls apart it was not of God mentality.I would fire people who worked for me if they did the crap others do in church all for Jesus! If UPS can run the tightest ship in the shipping business why cant the church-why cant Wellspring.OK Nuff said.
Czechfest: It is worth remembering that some are doing "crap" in the church for 20 or more hours per week, after they have done "crap" for 40-60 or more hours in their vocational workplace. And somewhere in there, they have responsibilities to fulfill and "crap" to do with their respective families.
My real concern comes from the "program paradigm" that befalls (and befuddles)many 21st-century Protestant churches (traditional and otherwise). It goes something like this: If we want "more of God" or want to show others we "have" more of God, we do it by adding another "ministry program" to the church repertoire. This in turn feeds the consumer spirit that is running rampant through so many churches.
Personally, I would rather see more churches quit trying to do a variety of "programs" with mediocrity and concentrate on a few (or one) with exceeding excellence.
Peace and grace.
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