impact 365 oak arbor shared leadership

Shared Leadership

A Little Perspective

o It is not our intention to portray ourselves as experts, nor to claim that our results provide enough ‘data points’ to convince you that Shared (or collaborative) Leadership is ‘the answer’ in all situations.

o We are becoming increasingly convinced of this method of leadership in Oak Arbor, because:o It is considered a ‘best practice’ by a substantial number of

respected management consultants. Many success stories.o We’ve observed the effects of the alternative, and are not

convinced that it will take us where we want to go.o Although we’re just students of the approach, and still have

much to learn, we’re very encouraged with our progress.o Attendance – Up an average of about 7% per year (over past 6 years)o Congregational Engagement – HIGHo Newcomer Retention – HIGHo Congregational satisfaction with leadership - HIGH

Leadership & Collaboration

• Leadership– A process whereby an individual or small group influences

others to achieve common goals.• Collaborative Leadership

– An approach that employs supportive and inclusive methods to ensure that those they represent are part of the change process

– It requires a new notion of power…the more power (energy) we share, the more we have to use.

• ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Helen Keller

• ‘None of us is as smart as all of us.’ Edward Register

Shared Leadership

o Purpose, Structure & Leaders (Craig)o Shared Leadership Principles (Derek)o Shared Leadership in Practice (Worship Team)o Discussion (Greg)o Wrap-up (Greg)

A Structure that is . . .

built around the program & strategy,

and (2) allows for the cultivation and

development of future leaders.

Keys to Shared Leadership

An inspiring sense of Common

Purpose; coupled with a shared

Vision, Strategy and Positive

Attitude.

“Get the right people in the right seats on the bus.”

- Jim Collins.

Meaning, carefully and thoughtfully choosing and placing leaders whose strengths match the needs of the church.

Common Purpose

o Building healthy relationships with God, His Word and each other.

o Our source of truth: The Lord’s Word; understood more clearly in the light of the Divinely-inspired teachings of the New Church.

o We are charged with the responsibility to help change as many lives as possible with the spiritual tools entrusted to us:– Existing members– Our children– People who are ‘on the fringe’– People who don’t yet know us

o We add & develop programs that best support our purpose, and strive to continuously improve them for the sake of those they serve.

• Develop Worship services that are consistently so compelling and relevant that people place high priority on weekly participation.

• Provide safe and welcoming environments where Small Groups meet regularly for study of the Word, prayer and support . . . and where lasting friendships are made.

• ‘Let our light shine’ through Outreach and service to those in the community who need our help.

• Attract more families to the Oak Arbor School to extend the reach of our excellent spiritual & academic education.

• Invite and welcome more people among us who are seeking what we have to offer. – 5-year goal: average weekly attendance of 200 people.

Shared Strategic Focus

• We are always looking for ways to lead people toward healthy relationships.

• We feel blessed by what we have to offer, and consequently, long to share it.

• We love that the tools of our New Church Christian faith, and the support of our congregation, help people to improve their lives.

• We are becoming increasingly aware and understanding of how different our needs can be (from each other), depending on age, state, background and taste.

• We think about how worship, small groups and other offerings affect not only ourselves, but also our children, fellow members (old and new) and seekers.

• We are outward looking and committed to the idea of building community.

• We embrace the Lord’s calling on us to be His Disciples. And, we seek ways to warmly and gently welcome new friends among us, even if it means going outside of our ‘comfort zone.’

Shared Positive Attitude

• Make a commitment– Believe in my faith, and embrace the purpose and vision of my church.– Demonstrate my commitment through verbal affirmation and personal example.

• Take a Journey– Attend Church– Participate in a small group– Allow others to see me building Healthy Relationships in my own life

• Serve – Volunteer to lead or help with church programs, events and other needs.– Support events and other volunteers (gratitude, early arrival, positive

participation, etc.)

• Be a Steward– Give regularly and generously to support the Lord in His church.– Wisely deploy resources to support our purpose and vision.– Care for church & school property as if it were my own.

• Stay Outward-focused– Practice discipleship and invite friends to grow with us.– Engage in community service groups and activities.

As a member, I can . . .

OAC Leadership Structure

Governance

Board of Directors

TreasurerFinance

Investment Stewardship PlanningHuman

ResourcesFacilities Legal Technology

Pastor

Management Advisory Team Administrative Assistance

Program

Worship Tools for Life Outreach School

Worship Team (message, delivery, engagement)

Music TeamHost Team

(welcome, refreshments)Chancel

Sunday School

Small GroupsJourney Programs

Book CenterFoundations Class

Service ProjectsNeighborhood House

Blood DriveCommunity Engagement

Pre-K through 8 Education

Support Audio Visual

MarketingGrowth

Volunteer Management

Facilities Management

Communications(two-way)

InformationTechnology

Rental Program

Financial Management

A Structure that is . . .

built around the program & strategy,

and (2) allows for the cultivation and

development of future leaders.

Keys to Shared Leadership

An inspiring sense of Common

Purpose; coupled with a shared

Vision, Strategy and Positive

Attitude.

“Get the right people in the right seats on the bus.”

- Jim Collins.

Meaning, carefully and thoughtfully choosing and placing leaders whose strengths match the needs of the church.

Shared Leadership


Shared Leadership - Risks

• Pastor may feel a threat to role as spiritual leader

• Priest and lay boundaries may become blurred

• Pastor may be afraid to challenge lay leaders

• Some members may feel left out

• Some members may not be willing to be led by their peers

• Pastor may fear letting go of some responsibilities

• It will take hard work to get the right balance of leadership roles

• Pastor may not know how to choose a cohesive team

Shared Leadership - Advantages

• Members gain a much greater sense of ownership• Members have a much better understanding of their

church’s teachings

• Members adopt and articulate the church’s vision

• Increases ability to handle complex issues

• Members willing to be accountable for success/failures

• Takes advantage of skills and interests of members

• Enthusiasm can become infectious; more people get

involved

Shared Leadership – Making it Work

• Leave your ego at the door

• Don’t forget what motivates and engages people

• Choose a leadership team that gets it and can teach it

• Keep defining leader roles, responsibilities, and boundaries

• You now have an open process for decision making

• Get ready to celebrate your interim success

Shared Leadership


OAC Leadership Structure

Governance

Board of Directors

TreasurerFinance

Investment Stewardship PlanningHuman

ResourcesFacilities Legal Technology

Pastor

Management Advisory Team Administrative Assistance

Program

Worship Tools for Life Outreach School

Worship Team (message, delivery, engagement)

Music TeamHost Team

(welcome, refreshments)Chancel

Sunday School

Small GroupsJourney Programs

Book CenterFoundations Class

Service ProjectsNeighborhood House

Blood DriveCommunity Engagement

Pre-K through 8 Education

Support Audio Visual

MarketingGrowth

Volunteer Management

Facilities Management

Communications(two-way)

InformationTechnology

Rental Program

Financial Management

Worship Group

o The Worship Team: Assists and supports the Pastor with scheduling, message planning, enactments, ritual, etc.

o The Music Team: Plans and delivers the worship music program.

o Sanctuary Responsibilities: Including chancel, sound and (future) projection.

o The Host Team: Initiated by the Outreach Team, the long term concept of the Host Team is to help both members and visitors feel warmly welcomed and included from the moment they arrive in the parking lot to the moment they go home.

A Purpose-Driven Worship

The Worship Group strives to support Oak Arbor’s mission by planning and delivering relevant and inspiring Sunday services. We are focused on:oMessages that (1) strengthen our understanding of the Lord God Jesus Christ, and lead us closer to Him, and (2) help us to build healthier relationships.oMusic, enactments and other engaging experiences that tap into our affections; inspiring and encouraging all to keep the Sunday experience with us throughout the week.oDeveloping a culture of discipleship in our sanctuary that helps to build community; and which honors the wide range of ages, backgrounds, views, strengths and challenges that our congregation and guests bring to church each week.

Worship Team Agenda

o Welcomeo Opening Prayero Pastor’s Focuso Worship Planner - Upcoming Services

o Easter Enactment & Processiono Series on Perfection

• The weekly ‘Take-aways’– How are they working? – How is the congregation responding?

• The new Holy Supper format (passing of the bread) – how is that working?

The Worship Planner

Facilitates good communication between Pastor & Worship Group

Discussing Change

Collaboration works!

Shared Leadership


Key Takeaways

• Find a common purpose!

• There is a real fear of letting go in leadership changes

• It takes hard work to find the right balance of

leadership roles

• Sharing leadership results in more committed

congregants

• Put your church in a position to be successful when

you are gone

Thank you

impact 365 oak arbor shared leadership

Spiritual