Will Mancini is the founder of Auxano – a church consulting group with a unique approach to developing a church’s vision frame before providing traditional consulting services. Mancini’s pastoral experience includes helping lead two congregations to grow to over 3,000 in weekend attendance: Clear Creek Community Church and FaithBridge UMC. He is the author of Church Unique: How Mission Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement. To connect with him, read his blog, follow him on twitter, or friend him on facebook.
Recently, he wrote about six common myths that drive churches to do more:
- Strategic Myths: Saying Yes to the Wrong Things with Good Intentions
- Myth#1 Since Larger Churches Do More, We Should Do More to Grow Larger
- Myth#2 More Options Will Attract More People
- Myth#3 Designated Funds Alone Justify Something New
- Pastoral Myths: Failing to Say No to the Wrong Things with Good Intentions
- Myth#4 Starting New Ministries Honors the Passion and Gifts of my People
- Myth #5 More Programs Will Meet More Needs
- Myth#6 A Good Leader Involves More People in Decision-making
Note: Those interested in a free copy of his upcoming e-book (Tyranny of More) on this topic can register to receive one by commenting on this post.
So What?
Too many congregations say yes to too many good ideas. In these cases, there is often a misguided underlying assumption that more is a must and bigger is better that needs to be challenged.
- What leadership group (Council/Session, planning/vision, staff, etc.) within your church is most driven by the idea that your congregation should be doing more?
- Over the last three years, which of the six myths has your congregation acted upon as though it were fact?
- How do you cast vision and incorporate it in your congregational culture in such a way that all of the people know your identity and are able to focus resources accordingly?