We all ask a version of this question. It becomes all the more important when you’re doing something you’ve never done before, like leading a new program, trying a new style of leadership, or fostering a change movement within a community.
People often look to their leaders or authority figures to gauge how things are going. Is the leader calm? Excited? Apprehensive? People listen to what their leaders are saying about how things are going and decide for themselves whether their experience is matching that message.
How will you know if you’re doing it right? What is your mental model related to success?
Along with looking for the fruit of the Spirit, we believe that Christian communities are meant to answer these questions based on their values.
For Churches Learning Change, that’s a specific way of understanding the values of authenticity, love, integrity, courage, and curiosity. When we can reflect on our conduct and our purposes in light of our God-shaped values, we can know we’re doing it right no matter what “it” is. This is a way that you can think of honouring God and God’s Design as a community and an individual leader.
Adding this kind of discernment prior to big change plans, then checking in during change processes, and ensuring it is a key aspect of evaluation and reflection is critical for our Christian witness.
At a time where anger, malice, slander, and greed are increasingly at the forefront of people’s everyday lives, the church is a place that is supposed to be different. (Col 3.1-17)
Has your community done the work of unearthing its core values? Not just the ones you aspire to, but the ones you’re already living into? Have you done the work of naming and describing your personal values as a Spirit-filled follower of Jesus who leads others?
This is the heart of living and leading by God’s Design, and CLC can help! Check out our Guides on Values & Anchors and on Redefining Success. Use our contact form to be in touch for a free consult on how our Guides can help you and your community witness faithfully with lively purpose!
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