In thinking about this post this situation came immediately to mind for me. I thought there was a shared vision when I was asked to lead the team. They had met several times over the summer to discuss the new position and how to bring the two groups together. When I asked what the vision for the position was I was told it was in development. I was shocked during my first meeting with the team to see open arguments break out between the two groups with "them" vs. "us" language and everyone trying to protect what was (and is no more) vs. creating an inspired shared vision for the future.
The culture within this community of faith is one of collaborative leadership. While this new position will report to one designated leader, it is the work of this team of church members (volunteers) to come together and define the vision vs. having one leader create it and inspire others.
In our case it was clear that the group had to back up to find common ground for building their shared vision. As this is a religious organization the most effective way to do this was to find common ground through our shared faith. Each person was asked to find a biblical text that represented the foundation of the work they had been involved in - children's ministry or adult education. Each person cares deeply about the work they are involved in and this was a good way to tap into that passion. The group has eight team members (nine including the facilitator) and each was able to bring a passage that held meaning for them to the next discussion. It was clear there was a shared vision buried in the foundation of each of these separate ministries - the desire for growth in faith whether you were a child or an adult. Once the group started to see that they opened up to each other and were willing to work together.
The group was able to start a conversation about what a shared vision of educational ministry across their two areas could look like. This work is happening real time with the team working to finalize their shared vision so they can move forward to find someone to bring the vision to life. A working version of the shared vision is included below:
all
!
!!
"
XYZ's vision for faith formation is
grounded in our baptismal promise to love, encourage, and support all people as beloved children of God,
no matter their age or stage in their faith journey. The goodness of God is at
the heart of our shared lives together, and we work together to build a
multigenerational community in which all are welcome and loved. We strive to
create a community of learners and leaders where all are encouraged to listen
and seek, be challenged in their walk with God and one another, and where all
may find belonging.
The Spirit
is calling this congregation, in this place and at this time, to reimagine our
telling presence in the city so that children and adults alike will experience
encouragement and creativity in their spiritual and intellectual development.
When the group started their work by focusing on the tactical vs. the vision they came into conflict and ground to a halt. But once the focus shifted to inspiring a shared vision they could all support, the doors opened up and the collaboration began.
For me this has been a timely and relevant example of how crucial it is to inspire a shared vision for any leader or leadership team. It is vital to the work.
all
!
!!
"
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