As we enter the first few days of the new year, many church leaders are beginning to execute their strategic plans. However, without intentionality, this year may end up looking exactly like the last. This stagnation often occurs for several reasons, the most prominent being the retention of the same mindset that governed previous seasons.
1. The Same Mindset
This year will mirror the last if we cling to old definitions of what is “normal” or “expected.” A common struggle in leadership is the hesitation to trade comfort for the uncertainty of growth. Although Scripture reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26), many leaders remain stuck in old patterns. Recognizing these dangerous leadership habits is the first step toward meaningful progress.
To move forward, you must evaluate how you are evolving your perspective on what is possible. In the book Out of the Maze—the sequel to Who Moved My Cheese?—the author challenges readers to examine their core beliefs and the results those beliefs produce. If you desire a different outcome this year, you must be willing to change your mindset and embrace a culture of change in church leadership.
2. The Same Method
Not only is a mindset change important, your method may also need to be shifted. You have heard the saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing expecting a different result.” Yet we all know people and churches who do this very thing. They say they want something different, and believe God for something different, but then keep the same method. They keep the same system or process that has gotten them what they currently have.
What if God allowed the current process to get you to this current level but it will not work on a new level?
I recently traveled to London with my pastor and team. While there we made a visit to St. Paul’s Church, which is a beautiful church, and you should visit if you have the chance. While we visited the church we wanted to see the top. On the day we went the elevator was broken, that is a whole different story for another time. However, when it’s working, the church has an elevator to get you close to the top but not all the way up. Where the elevator ends a long set of stairs begins which takes you the rest of the way.
If you want to reach the top, the method of the elevator will only get you halfway. After that you have to get off and use the stairs. Using the same method in this year as last year is similar; it means that you will be on the elevator at the highest point expecting it to move, but it was only meant to get you to the current level. If you want a new and different year, I encourage you to change your method.
3. The Same Influence
If you want this year to be different for you and your ministry you can’t have all of the same influences. No matter how strong-willed or focused you are, we all have someone or something that has an influence on us. Many of the influences like mentors or peer groups can be beneficial. However, not adding new and different influences that cause you to grow and challenge you to be better will not make this year different at all.
Have you ever watched a professional sports game and noticed how many coaches are on the sidelines with the team? There are several coaches or influencers because in order for the team to be their best and to grow, they need new and different coaches to help them move forward. What influences do you have this year that you had last year? Or what influences did you add to your coaching team this year in order to push you to be better and do better?
What would you add to the list, or how are you ensuring that this year will be different and not the same?