Decision Making

Dear Pastors

This is the last of a short 4 part series on ‘Diagnostic Questions’. Today’s question is, ‘How are important decisions made in your church?’

What do I mean by ‘big’ decisions? Here they are. Major capital expenditure items which includes property modifications and extensions, senior staff and Board recruitment decisions, the annual budget, major new ministries and perhaps taking theological positions on controversial issues. Pretty much all other decisions are small and in most cases inconsequential when compared to the big ones.

I would hope that small decisions (or everyday decisions) are made efficiently and with minimum fuss. For that to happen there should be clear delegations and authority granted to members of staff. For churches that should include ‘key’ volunteers. Good delegations are an art form in my opinion but are a different discussion for another day perhaps.

However, for the big decisions in a local church there should be a well defined process that maximises the opportunity for ‘buy-in’. And buy-in is what you need otherwise you will be on your own before you know it. Further, a well defined process will hopefully minimise friction, conflict and fights.

So what might a good process look like? Here is one outline, a suggestion only.

1. Provide a case. In business it is called ‘a business case’. In ministry you could call it, ‘The Reason Why’. Your case should have the full support of your Board and as much as is possible your key staff whether paid or unpaid. This is essential homework or preparatory work, if you like. Be sure that if specialised information is included that you have consulted with the relevant expert(s).
2. Socialise your ‘Reason Why’. You should do this through a variety of communication channels. That said, nothing beats a well written statement/paper that explains the rationale of what it is you want to do/need a decision on.
3. A carefully worded verbal statement on a Sunday Morning(s) is very important as the initial communique. You may choose to share an update on Sunday mornings here and there as well.
4. Convene Focus Groups. A Focus Group is a small gathering of people who you need to hear from. That may of course be all your members in which case you should invite them to attend.
5. Ask for written feedback and assure folks you are listening.
6. Convene a ‘members’ meeting and the questions/motions you need passed clearly advertised well ahead of time.

As I said the above is merely a suggestion that I have found over the years works well. I think that a process like this is best and that any denominational and/or constitutional requirements you might have to fulfil are done so within a decision making framework like this.

Song Recommendation

"Every Praise" by Hezekiah Walker. Although recorded 7 years ago (with 79m views and 15K comments) this is such a cool rendition. It’s a Flash Mob. Also of interest is that Hezekiah Walker led this song at Floyd George’s funeral in May this year. Listen for the words, “I don’t care how you are feeling right now, sing Hallelujah…..”. Exactly!

Announcement

For those of you who live in or near Tauranga and Hamilton. I am convening two events on Euthanasia with Caralise Trayes (Author of the new book, ‘Final Choice”) on Sunday 20th September at Life Church, Tauranga at 7.00pm and West Hamilton Community Church in Hamilton on Monday 21st September at 7.30pm. More info available on request.

Blessings
Alan