I want to take a small break from our discussion on the work and nature of the church. We'll take some time to meditate on what we have learned so far and ask God to reveal to us the ideal metaphor or combination of metaphors to describe the church.
I wanted to take some time to bring you up to speed on how my first 100 days is going. So far ... In short ... I think it's going great. But I want you to know what I am doing and how I plan on doing it.
There are FIVE GOALS I want to accomplish in my first 100 days.
1. I want to get to know as many people as possible.
2. I want to understand the history of our church (especially the recent history).
3. I want to understand the stated vision of our church.
4. I want to structure our staff and programming in a way that moves us toward that vision.
5. I want to create a 2-year plan that will give our church movement and direction.
In order to accomplish these goals in 100 days, I am taking FIVE ACTIONS:
1. I am attending every church event humanly possible.
2. I am reading everything available to me on the history of our church.
3. I am going to meet with the original Vison Task Force to talk about our stated vision.
4. I am spending time with staff evaluating the work we do.
5. I am interviewing at least 100 key church leaders and asking them the same five questions.
These questions are designed to help me understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the work of our church.
Here are the FIVE QUESTIONS:
1. What about FBC Richardson should we preserve, and why?
2. What about FBC Richardson should we change, and why?
3. What do you most hope I do?
4. What are you most afraid I might do?
5. What advice do you have for me?
I may or may not get to talk to you one on one ... so please take time to reflect on these questions and feel free to comment. If you don't want your comments to be public, feel free to email me at ellisorozco@fbcr.org.
I am going to leave this post open for the next few days because I want as many people as possible to have a chance to read it ... and to respond.
Ask God to give us wisdom and discernment as we look to a brilliant future together!
Blessings,
Pastor Ellis
Well, first off, congratulations -- I think you've managed to stun everyone into silence. That's a mighty handy trick to have at your disposal -- you may need it some day. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, thanks for asking. It's very encouraging. So, taking the questions in order...
1 & 2 -- These questions have as their starting point the church as organization, but they must lead to reflection on the church as organism. Our institutional character is an expression of our inner life. No use thinking about reconfiguring what we do unless we've first come to grips with who we are (and aren't). Which leads me to...
3. Keep preaching like you have been. Despite all our well-worn, institutionalized and internalized stratagems for rendering the Word of God tame, harmless, insipid, unsurprising and unthreatening, there's no shield that will hold forever against that blade, as long as you don't weary in wielding it.
4. Are you kidding? Ain't much room to go from here but up.
5. I don't think it's my advice you'll need. But it's nice to be valued. Thanks.
1. FBCR has a history of love and service to the community that should be revived and preserved.
ReplyDelete2. Address the isolationism and compartmentalization that has developed.
3.Preach God's word and unite FBCR to move in the direction God has set. Encourage active participation in programs rather than just being "pew warmers".
4. Fold under the weight of people who want to go back to the way we were.
5.Continue seeking God's wisdom and discernment; set aside time
for your family.
Agree wholeheartly with above Anonymous. Keep preaching and blessing us with THE WORD!
ReplyDelete