You’ve got vision and direction but why reinvent the wheel when there are so many resources available? That packaged sermon series or campaign with media kit is looking pretty good. You hear people are excited about that discipleship curriculum/pathway… they are getting results maybe it will work for your church too. There are so many solutions available for purchase but are they really going to help you move your mission forward? Buyer beware.
4 Questions to Consider Before Purchase
1. Is it principle based?
Principles are timeless because they have been proven to work in any time, in any circumstance, with any person. In order for this to be true, there has to be room for changing contexts and flexibility in methodology. For example, “commitment to spiritual growth” is a principle. What spiritual growth looks like and how it is accomplished will differ depending on time, maturity, and circumstances. The methodology of commitment to spiritual growth needs to be flexible in order to accommodate. A commitment to spiritual growth may look like daily devotions, prayer walks (rides, hikes, swims…), or bible studies. Or it may look going to seminary or on missions trips. There is no one-size-fits-all methodology for commitment to spiritual growth.
If the curriculum, sermon series, media kit, or discipleship pathway you are looking to purchase is focused on a specific methodology, it will not work for everyone in your congregation. There may be some excitement around it at first and a few may thrive for a while. However, you will see a sharp drop in interest within a couple months and will be back to square one this time next year.
2. Does it address your needs?
Before you purchase, be sure to reflect on the various segments of people in your congregation. Where are they at in their spiritual growth and what do their lives look like? No program will meet everyone’s needs but it is important to offer something that is relevant and doable for most.
Is it right-sized?
Too much information can be like offering thirsty people a drink from a fire hose. It’s overwhelming and you will lose people. Sometimes it is overkill, like David in Saul’s armor. For example, small churches don’t need a full blown program, it’s too cumbersome.
Does it speak your cultural language?
Different denominations and locations have their own vernacular. Make sure that the communication style is one that speaks to your church culture.
Does it meet people where they are at?
You have people at various levels of spiritual maturity at your church. The need ranges from the basics to leadership development. Who does this program cater to most? How will people in a difference stage interact with it? What work will you need to do to adapt so it has something for everyone? Does the program license allow for adaptation?
3. Does it utilize your strengths?
It looks solidly build on principles and that it will meet you current needs, that’s great! The next area you need to consider is what kind of infrastructure and leadership is needed to implement it successfully. You will need to look carefully at both the product you are considering in comparison with your current structure, resources, and capacity.
- How does this program work within our existing structures?
- Where are potential disconnects?
- What is required to implement this program?
- In what areas will we need to adapt?
- Where will there be disruptions during the changes?
- What skills are needed to make this work with excellence?
4. Is it culturally sensitive?
Another way to look at this is through a lens of relevance. Fifteen years ago, a friend happened to visit a church plant in India on India’s Independence Day. They were shocked and dismayed when the worship included “God Bless America”. A lot of headway has been made on the importance of cultural sensitivity since then, but not enough. Knowing and honoring the context of the people you are trying to reach is essential to actually reaching them.
- How will your congregation hear the stories and illustrations in the curriculum?
- In what ways will this program be challenging in your context?
- Where are the disconnects between the system and the people who will be using it?
- How will not aligning your system/message with your context make your job harder?
Lean into your context
So often, church leaders are looking for the next new shiny object, the next new silver bullet that will fix everything. And when you see programs, approaches, or systems that have worked really well in other churches, it’s tempting to just copy it. If it worked so well there, it should work at least reasonably well here.
But you lose something crucial when you simply import. You miss the chance to discern what God is uniquely calling you to do. Your people are different, your context is different, your own leadership gifts are different. So take the time to reflect on what God wants you to do, right where you are, with what he has given you. Stop and reflect on your vision. Are you copying someone else’s megachurch instead of discerning who you are supposed to be? And who you are supposed to serve?
When you find something successful, take time to uncover the principles that lie beneath it. Why does it work? How do those principles apply in your situation? You aren’t the same pastor, they are the same people, and this isn’t the same situation. The key is to find out how principles uniquely play out in the mission where you are.
Resources
The Discipleship Difference- If you aren’t seeing the results you want in your discipleship programming, this is the book you need. Every person is different and we all reflect God in different ways. The Discipleship Difference lays out an intentional, holistic, and relational approach to discipleship that is individualized to meet each person wherever they are and help them take their next best step toward God.
Coaching- You have a vision you want to make happen but are coming up against obstacles. Good news! Dr. Bob Logan has a couple of spots open on his coaching calendar. Email admin@loganleadership.com and request a complimentary 30-minute conversation with Dr. Bob to learn more about how coaching can help you maximize your effectiveness and move your vision forward.