The Cornerstone ALIGNMENT4 Conference is in full swing today. It has been great meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones.
Bill Couchenour (from Cogun) and I started the day off by recalling how Paul taught the Corinthians (chap 12) that God desires to manifest his spirit through our gifts and efforts. Experience shows failing to create a clear and compelling ministry environment hinders that manifestation and the flow of His spirit.
As a result of our own blindness we’re stepping on the hose. We’re restricting the flow of His spirit through our efforts. Alignment is a critical part of ensuring that clarity and enhancing the flow of His blessing. The main sessions this morning explored how to assess and align four vital attributes of your ministry effort:
- Culture,
- Ministry,
- Leadership,
- Facilities.
It’s a serious challenge in light of the rapidly changing culture we live in. Here are a few of the main thoughts:
If your vision is not stunningly unique, you probably don’t have one. – Will Mancini, Founder and Clarity Evangelist, Auxano
Every snowflake, every grain of sand has been uniquely created by God and yet we spend our entire life desperately trying to look and act like each other. As a church leader you must discover what it is that God’s uniquely gifted your congregation to focus on and align their efforts around. And when you do, the congregation develops a clear sense for how to engage with you. But more importantly, your community will be drawn by the clarity with which you’re reaching out to them.
Defining what we want to preserve is where visioning begins. – Kevin Ford, Chief Visionary Officer of TAG Consulting
It scares and alienates people when you start with the solution rather than the question. And rightly so. There isn’t any one or two people who see the whole issue. Effective leaders are synthesizers of the legitimate ideas and concerns of the congregation that address the questions you face. When people fully explore them, you end up with more effective solutions that they will then peacefully own with you.
When you embrace their authentic discussions and ground them in the Word, you’ll also learn which essential pieces of your culture you must preserve. And, which could be adjusted to more effectively present Christ and transform hearts in your church and your community.
And I’m off to more sessions. More this afternoon!
Ed
Thank you so much for a great conference. My head is swimming with so many thoughts about what we learned today.
At our church, I perceive that people are ready to get “off the hose” and let the Spirit work more fully. I can’t wait to see what our future holds as we define and refine our vision.
God is doing great things through your ministry. Satan will not hinder God’s work!
Thanks again and God Bless.
Bart Rinkenberger
Apostolic Christian Church of Morton, IL
Bart,
I appreciate your passion and desire to make a difference. It was an encouragement to explore what God is up to in your life.
We have to keep reminding ourselves what Denny Wilson shared in the closing session. This is God’s church. He will build it and only the gates of hell will prevail against it. We can only join Him and be used as much as we are connected into the vine with a broken spirit and contrite heart…which he delights in. We can only be used when we become so.
Be encouraged, God’s at work in you and He will perfect that work if that is your hearts desire. However, that perfecting can be painful at times. And, I am confidant you’ll find the grace to be more than a conqueror.
Love you brother,
Ed