826 words … quick 2-3 minute read … check out a Leadwell Cohort to avoid paying dumb tax
Having been impacted by the commitment of Leadership Network’s founder Bob Buford to peer learning, as I discussed in a previous post, I continue to gather leaders in small peer cohorts. Two weeks ago, I was in Arizona with a group of younger senior pastors in growing churches (yes, there is such a thing in this Covid impacted world!) One of the key drivers for these gatherings is interaction with great mentors who help leaders avoid dumb tax as they navigate the opportunities and complexities of a growing church.
It was a great session with mentors, Chad Moore (Sun Valley Community Church) and Steve Stroope (Lake Pointe Church) and senior pastors from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between. There were many AHA moments and great takeaways from the time, but today I will focus on some thoughts about regaining momentum.
Of course, we are all trying to figure out how to regain momentum.
The percentages of in-person attendance in most cases are beginning to creep back up. Up feels good but “creeping pace” is frustrating.
Some have chosen to continue to worship online indefinitely. I recently surveyed a client church’s online audience. 87% indicated that they plan to attend in person over the next 6 months but that means that 13% don’t. 60% indicated that they attend online 3+ times a month. 40% indicated that they were involved in an in-person ministry at the church every week (groups, serving, etc.). And on a scale of 1-10, 50% scored themselves 8-10 on how connected they feel.
The conversations were robust and even a little heated at times, but as the dust settled four thoughts surfaced that I think we would all be wise to heed.
Stop talking about Covid and get back to work.
The time for wondering “what if” or “when will” is over. This is the new normal.
Measure from now.
Whatever you measure, establish now as your new baseline.
Expand your digital horizons.
Digital ministry is not just for the weekend anymore. Don’t limit your innovation to having a killer online worship experience. Get clear on your discipleship pathway and determine what works as well and in some cases better online. Invest resources here for the future.
Fourth thought after some information about getting involved in a Leadwell Cohort.
Through LeadWell Cohorts, leaders gain unique insights from peer learning environments and leverage the group setting for leaders in similar roles. The wisdom of well-seasoned mentors and expert resources from multiple disciplines empower participants to tackle some of the most pressing issues and opportunities of our time. This collaborative community helps leaders bust through their leadership lids and create plans for accelerated results.
Why be involved in a peer cohort?
There is significant power in the gathering of true peers that result in organizational health and accelerated results. Participating in a LeadWell Cohort prevents you from leading in isolation and provides a diverse set of perspectives on some common leadership challenges and opportunities.
You have led through one of the most difficult seasons this world has ever faced amid a global pandemic, seeking to discern what's next and what's the new normal? And though some things are becoming clear, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Community brings clarity.
Some of the best learning comes through interaction with leaders from other disciplines. You will have access to subject matter experts in areas as broad as business, science, and the arts who will share successes from their context that lead to application in yours.
Not only do you have the support and insight of your peers, but each group is also served by mentors. These leaders see their role and calling as helping you to avoid some of the dumb tax they have already paid.
The next groups are forming now including senior pastors (under 40), senior pastors “finishing well” and executive pastors. For more information check it out here. If you are interested in applying for a spot, email me at greg@ligongroup.com or select a time to talk that works for you here.
And now back to the final tip for regaining momentum.
Create experiences that are only available in person.
In almost every other area where large groups of people gathered before the pandemic, the same (or larger) size groups are gathering today. I watched the March Madness Final Four Championship Game from my home and it was a good experience. But I would have given anything to have been a part of the 70,000 people crammed into the Superdome in New Orleans to watch the game. Truth be told had one of “my teams” been there I would have been too! Why the crowd? People are drawn to the things that they love, the unique experiences. What are the things about your church that are unique and that people love? It may be as simple as giving away t-shirts or having a time in the service where you have the opportunity to go forward to pray at an altar.
Stay tuned for the next post where I will be sharing some great insights from Chad Moore on building a culture of evangelism.
Email me your innovation experiments and stories at greg.ligon@generis.com.