Two Revs Productions

Regardless of context, every leader, congregation, and most church members have experienced the weight of recent changes. The recent disaffiliations have only intensified this state of flux. As we navigate these challenging times, the long-standing decline pattern has become evident. The current circumstances have stripped away illusions, underscoring that adaptability is no longer a choice but a necessity for survival and growth.

It is no secret that the world and the church are constantly evolving, and failing to keep up will leave us behind. As leaders, we must embrace the challenges of the times and guide our congregations toward a brighter future. To achieve this, we must adopt a proactive and strategic approach, especially during the holiday season. Today, I would like to discuss three critical focus areas for effective leadership during this season: vision, communication, and team-building.

Vision:

As leaders, we must clearly understand what we want to achieve and communicate that vision as a team. This includes setting clear goals and objectives for the upcoming holiday season. Doing this allows us to align our energies and focus on the critical tasks. It’s essential to remain flexible, too, and adapt the plan as necessary to meet new challenges. We must be willing to pivot, make changes amid uncertainty, and remain steadfastly committed to our vision and goals.

Action Step: 

In light of our vision, the first action step is to set up a strategic planning meeting with the leadership team before the holiday season commences. In this meeting, define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the holiday season. Please consider potential challenges and devise contingency plans to ensure that you remain resilient and adaptable in the face of change. This approach will help maintain focus and direction during the busy holiday season and enable you to measure our progress and success tangibly.

Communication:

Effective communication is always essential, but it’s even more critical when leading in change. This involves listening to insights and feedback from team members and being transparent about our decisions, mainly when the changes are drastic. To do this effectively, we must communicate clearly, concisely, and timely, utilizing multiple channels, including email, social media, and in-person meetings. In addition, we need to create a culture of open dialogue where team members feel free to share their thoughts and concerns. Also, remind your leadership about the importance of expressing their opinions during meetings rather than discussing them outside in the parking lot. Doing these things ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Action Step:

To ensure effective communication and feedback, it is advisable to schedule team meetings before the holiday season. Encourage team members to openly share their thoughts and concerns while providing updates on any changes or developments that may impact them. This approach fosters transparency and trust within the team and enables the collective making of informed decisions based on valuable insights from all members. If you want to change certain holiday traditions, for example, hearing from the team can provide practical perspectives and help make those decisions more effectively.

Team-building:

Finally, we cannot lead effectively without building a solid team. This involves creating a culture where every member feels valued and invested in the church’s mission and vision. People need to know that what they are doing is contributing to the church’s mission and that their strengths and talents are utilized. As leaders, we are responsible for creating opportunities for team members to grow together, build relationships, and cultivate a sense of unity and purpose. This kind of team building cannot be fostered in most of our team meetings because they are task-driven. Instead, think of ways to free the church from hiding behind perfunctory tasks- extend trust to your leadership, have clear expectations to handle repetitive tasks outside the meeting time and create opportunities to build relationships. 

Action Step:

As we approach the holiday season, consider organizing team-building activities that allow members to bond and connect outside the usual environment. Spend a meeting talking about what excites you about life, family, and church. Also, it creates opportunities for team members to utilize their strengths and talents in new ways. This helps build a stronger team and increases individual satisfaction and fulfillment within the church community.

Leading in times of change is always challenging, but we are called to do that as church leaders. By focusing on vision, communication, and team-building, we can confidently navigate the upcoming holiday season and build a stronger and more resilient congregation. Change can be difficult, but with the right mindset and approach, we can effectively lead our churches into a new and brighter future.