Another system that needs to be in place for a healthy missional church is a spiritual formation system. Sometimes church planters are so consumed with "gathering" that they forget what they are gathering people for. Our mission is to make disciples, not just gather people. So how do we do it?
The place to begin is to focus. What does a real disciple look like? Dallas Willard calls this an "Apprentice of Jesus." What does he/she look like? I like to guide church planters through a Biblical study and personal reflection process. You can download my worksheet at http://www.newchurchinitiatives.org/essential%20experiences/documents/EssentialExperience6.pdf.
Steven Covey tells leaders to "begin with the end in mind." This is critical if we are going to have an effective spiritual formation system. Begin there and then work backwards.
After a church planting pastor completes the worksheet he typically concludes that you can't work on everything all at once. So I suggest that you identify the top 4-6 qualities that need to be focused on in your congregation over the next 12 months. Then refine your qualities by stating them on very concrete objective statements. Once you get your spiritual formation objectives clarified, identify 3-5 measurable behaviors that will give indication that these objectives are being achieved.
Remember, if you can't measure it you can't manage it. A good coach will help you with this. Your coach should be able to guide you and help you define with clarity what it is you're trying to achieve. Next post = how to create the system!
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3 comments:
Hello Glenn,
I just stumbled upon your blog... I never knew you had one! I really love your insight and look forward to reading more of your thoughts. Thank you for all you do to challenge and encourage church planters. Did you know they use your curriculum out here in GA?!?! Thanks for your friendship and leadership.
Love Goss Family
Glenn & Laura,
Thanks for posting. Yes, I'm very happy they are using my curriculum. I've also been staying up with you guys this past year through the Care Pages. You've been in our prayers. Stay in touch.
Another Spiritual system that needs to be developed focuses on the church planter. Church planters are typically not very good at monitoring their own spiritual vitality. Typically the "Type-A" personality doesn't slow down long enough to consider the need. Far too many planters are falling apart, spiritually speaking, because good, strong accountability and support networks are not in place to help encourage and monitor the planter while they are in the heat of the battle on the field.
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