Empowerment Leadership Model for Small Groups, Teams, & Families
Course 3, Lesson 10
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Church Leadership Team
Starting correctly a group of people who want to help one another
live more and more for Jesus Christ
Note: Whenever "group" or "team" is used, it can mean "group", "team", or "family".
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Tuning-In to the Target Population
TYPE OF GROUP: CHURCH LEADERSHIP TEAM
therefore,
the TARGET POPULATION is: PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES OF THE CHURCH, PASTORS AND OTHER PROGRAM MINISTERS OR DIRECTORS, BUSINESS MANAGER
TUNING-IN STEP ONE: Understand the situations of potential group members. What are their lives like? What kinds of things do they face? What might be going on in their lives? What is normal behavior for them?
All are paid by the church for their role on the Church Leadership Team. Their is a senior pastor, and that is me, the leader of this Team.
Some have home situations that are uncomplicated, but some have a lot of duties and responsibilities at home. All can easily give the standard 40 hours, but the job often requires more. Unexpected duties and evening and weekend duties interfere with some family activities and have the potential of creating serious problems. Some have theological or professional training for their job, but a few are in their positions by reason of raw talent and rising up the ranks. A couple are relatively new to the church. One person needs to moonlight a little to augment his church salary. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP TWO: What might potential group members be THINKING about their lives? About themselves? What do they want out of life?
A few have been at the church and in their positions for a long time and think they have job security without a need to perform adequately.
A few think that they are overqualified for their jobs and are looking elsewhere for a more adequate position in another church. One definitely thinks he is doing a more valuable job than he is by the assessment of the other staff and the church elders. One thinks he is far less talented than he really is. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP THREE: What might potential group members be FEELING about their lives? About themselves?
Some are feeling burned out and tired. Some are feeling very fulfilled in their job assignments. Almost everyone has some area of responsibility for which he feels inadequate. Some have a few responsibilities that they do not like at all and avoid doing to the detriment of the church.
Most feel that being in ministry is where God called them to be. They feel good about this. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP FOUR: Regarding the group or program you will propose, what might potential group members think and feel about it? And what might they think and feel about you, the leader?
Most are happy to be part of a team. But, some might rather work independently, apart from accountability. One man in particular is very defensive and threatened by any helpful criticism and takes suggestions as attacks on his abilities.
Most are comfortable working for me, the senior pastor. But some are a little afraid of me because of either my position or that I am so much older and more experienced. Some feel that my standards are set too high. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP FIVE: What do you think and feel about the potential group members? About the group as a whole? About leading the group? About your skills, the facilities, etc.?
I want the Leadership Team to accomplish more and to work together better. There is one person with whom I am quite displeased and may have to ask to resign. I want to lead a team that works well together and is more motivated to serving God and the people of the church than having a comfortable job.
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Formulating a Motivating "Offer of Opportunity"
Formulating a Motivating "Offer of Opportunity"
Decide upon a generalized purpose statement that embodies something critical that (1) the group members want to accomplish and (2) that they need each other to achieve. It also must be a purpose that you want to help the group achieve. Design a purpose statement that connects what you want to offer with the critical needs of those you will invite to join the group.
The purpose of the Church Leadership Team is to work together to help our church become all that Jesus Christ wants it to be.”
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Establishing the Agreements of "The Contract"
Establishing the Agreements of "The Contract"
The Contract is the set of agreements between the members of the group– and, also, the group and its members with the leader. The Contract establishes the understanding and commitment necessary for the group to accomplish its purpose.
For most of the first meeting there will not be a group, only a collection of individuals working at deciding whether or not they want to form a group. Starting with item #10, the group has begun and has its own responsibilities.
To get a group started right, the leader will:
1. Present the possibility of a group experience.
2 . Help prospective group members consider the offer.
3. Help those who want a group experience actually form a group.
4. Help the new group define their expectations through agreements that will help them
be successful at achieving the group purpose.
CONTRACTING STEP ONE: Using the “tuning-in” that you did before this first meeting, help the potential group members know that you care for them and somewhat understand them and their life situations.
Lend a vision about the benefit of group participation, especially the benefits of working together.
“I would like all of us to consider again what it means to be the Church Leadership Team. I want us to consider and formally adopt our purpose again so that it meets the needs of our church.”
“I propose the purpose of the Church Leadership Team be to work together to help our church become all that Jesus Christ wants it to be.” “If you work together and help one another with each of your job assignments and if you put your heads together to find solutions to the things that hinder progress toward the purpose of giving the Lord what He wants from our church, you will feel really good about being on this leadership team.” "I know that your job is stressful at times. And, I know that we each have things we would rather not do. For these things we need each other's help and prayers." "Some of us have family needs more than the average. This means that as a team we need to address how to get things done without destroying marriages and families." "We need to get better at preparing the saints for works of service so that we do not have to do so much. We need to work together to find ways and skills to get this done." |
CONTRACTING STEP TWO: Offer the group in as simple a way as possible. Communicate the “Offer of Opportunity” and seek their feedback about joining.
Plan helpful actions that will engage the possible feelings, thoughts, and actions of potential group members in a way that will help them overcome doubts and commit themselves to the group. Anticipate problems that might come up when you offer the group or program, such as concern for confidentiality.
Plan helpful actions that will engage the possible feelings, thoughts, and actions of potential group members in a way that will help them overcome doubts and commit themselves to the group. Anticipate problems that might come up when you offer the group or program, such as concern for confidentiality.
“I propose the purpose of the Church Leadership Team be to work together to help our church become all that Jesus Christ wants it to be.”
“What do you think? What do you think of being on the Church Leadership Team with the purpose of helping one another help our church be all that Jesus Christ wants it to be?” |
CONTRACTING STEP THREE: Help potential group members either accept the group as offered, modify the group, propose an acceptable alternative, or reject the idea of a group altogether.
Help individuals propose (or propose yourself if potential group members are unable) any needed modifications to more clearly define the purpose of the group, a purpose that is very motivating because it is seriously desired by group members. But remember, the purpose must stay one that fits your own purpose and calling from God.
Help individuals propose (or propose yourself if potential group members are unable) any needed modifications to more clearly define the purpose of the group, a purpose that is very motivating because it is seriously desired by group members. But remember, the purpose must stay one that fits your own purpose and calling from God.
“Do you want to propose any changes to the suggested Leadership Team purpose? Presently the purpose of the Church Leadership Team is to work together to give what God wants from our church. Do you want to modify this in any way?”
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Note that if a modification is proposed that does not fit the church’s mission, it is an indication that the person or persons do not understand the larger picture. Be glad that this confusion came out so that clarification can be made. It is acceptable to comment that the suggested modification does not seem to fit in with the larger purpose of the Lord's church.
Sometimes a suggested modification will reveal that a church leader is volunteering or on salary primarily to achieve something other than the organizational mission. This person will need to realize that the primary reason for leadership is to do the job the church needs. However, this method of discussing purpose of the Leadership Team will likely eliminate many individual agendas without those agendas even being expressed.
CONTRACTING STEP FOUR: Lead a discussion on the cost of team membership for successful work toward accomplishment of the purpose. Things to consider may include but are not limited to the following: (a) times and lengths of meetings; (b) faithful attendance; (c) increasing ability to look objectively at own performance and be evaluated lovingly by the other team members; (d) growing transparency, (e) commitment to help each other; (f) confidentiality; (g) etc.
Sometimes a suggested modification will reveal that a church leader is volunteering or on salary primarily to achieve something other than the organizational mission. This person will need to realize that the primary reason for leadership is to do the job the church needs. However, this method of discussing purpose of the Leadership Team will likely eliminate many individual agendas without those agendas even being expressed.
CONTRACTING STEP FOUR: Lead a discussion on the cost of team membership for successful work toward accomplishment of the purpose. Things to consider may include but are not limited to the following: (a) times and lengths of meetings; (b) faithful attendance; (c) increasing ability to look objectively at own performance and be evaluated lovingly by the other team members; (d) growing transparency, (e) commitment to help each other; (f) confidentiality; (g) etc.
“I suggest that the Church Leadership Team meet twice a month for the purpose of doing its work.”
“Team membership will require commitment to each other’s success. Each member of the Church Leadership Team will need to be successful for the team as a whole to succeed. This will entail encouraging one another as well as conscious efforts to help one another when problems arise. How does this sound?” "Leadership Team membership will also require us all to evaluate ourselves and our performance and receive observations and evaluations from the other members. This will be a challenge to our faith and our ability to love one another into more and more obedience and effectiveness. Does anyone think he or she cannot commit to this?" "As a team it is extremely important that we can ask for each other's help. And, we need to be able to receive each other's help. Can we commit to growing in this?" "Confidentiality will be quite important. What goes on with the Team needs to stay confidential. Our spouses are to be our helpers, but even in that relationships some of what we talk about here will have to be confidential from them. Will this be a problem for anyone? What are some of the sticky situations that will make this difficult and how will we handle them?" “What other requirements for team success can you think of?” |
CONTRACTING STEP FIVE: Acquire from each potential member an agreement to be a part of the group, committed to the group’s purpose and willing to pay the cost of membership.
Restate your “Offer of Opportunity”.
If anyone does not want to join the group, ask them to stick around for the rest of this meeting and offer ideas. Let them know that if at any time they change their mind and want to join the group and its purpose, they just need to say so.
Restate your “Offer of Opportunity”.
If anyone does not want to join the group, ask them to stick around for the rest of this meeting and offer ideas. Let them know that if at any time they change their mind and want to join the group and its purpose, they just need to say so.
“Do you want to do this? Do you want to be on the Church Leadership Team with the purpose of working together and helping each other to work toward giving the Lord what He wants for our church?”
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CONTRACTING STEP SIX: Ask for commitment of group members to each other. Note that at the beginning of a group the purpose cannot be repeated too often. It must be ingrained in everyone's mind as the ultimate reason for getting together as a group. Other agendas and purposes must be prevented by this conscious action at focusing effort.
“Can each of you commit, not only to the team and its purpose, but also to each other as team members, to help each person help the team in its work toward the purpose and goals?"
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CONTRACTING STEP SEVEN: Help the potential group agree to and accept your role as group leader. Give and explain your own commitment to help the individuals become a functional group and to help the group work toward success at its purpose. Make clear why you cannot be considered a full and equal member of the group because your focus needs to be, like a coach or consultant, on helping the group develop and grow into a strong team. Explain that you must do that and also be a member of the team, a difficult double-role. Make sure they know that success is and must be in the Team's control.
“As team leader it is my job to help the Church Leadership Team do its best to give God what He wants. It is not my position to be a full member of the team. I will need to be apart from the team’s process so that I can analyze what is going on and what the team and individual members need to do to be successful. My role is kind of like a coach, and your team is like a football team. I help. You do most of the work. As long as you are in agreement to work at helping each other succeed in your jobs on the Church Leadership Team, I will commit to help you as a team to my best ability.”
"I must not do what you are capable of doing, in order to not hold the team back from growth leading to success. It is your team, and you must become capable to do the work. I will not be distant or inactive, I will just be doing those things that will help you develop into a healthy team that works toward its purpose.” “If you think of Jesus’ leadership style, He was not a member of the group of disciples. We speak of ‘Jesus and His disciples’, recognizing that He had a different function than each of the twelve.” “In the same way, I must not do what you are capable of doing. Otherwise, I will hold the Team back from the growth that brings strength, obedience and success.” “Maybe, in time, after the team as a whole has learned to do most of its own leadership, it will be less necessary for me to stand back in order to see the big view and analyze the team’s effectiveness. At that time I can become a little more active, but still not as a full-fledged team member. But for the time being, I need to have a very objective view of things from a bit outside of the team.” "Think of me as a player/coach. My main job is as a coach, and a player only when necessary from my skill set or position as the senior pastor." “Do you agree to this leadership arrangement?” |
CONTRACTING STEP EIGHT: When they agree, it is time for you to commit yourself to help the group and its group members.
“Since you’ve committed yourselves to the team, to one another, and to my help, I’m with you. I’ll help you as best as I can.”
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CONTRACTING STEP NINE: Explain that they have just formed a group: two or more people who need each other to work on a common purpose.
“We have just better defined the Church Leadership Team with a focus, a purpose that you will work on together as a team to achieve with my leadership help and limited involvement when together you can succeed.”
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CONTRACTING STEP TEN: Go over a little more carefully who is to be a "true" member of their group. Explain that membership has benefits like cooperation and friendliness and respectfulness. Ask them if anyone cannot give those things to the people in the room who have accepted membership. Usually they will readily agree, and this may be important later if any of those things are withheld from someone.
Ask the group if there is anyone they know of who should be invited to be a member of the group, but was not.
Ask the group if there is anyone they know of who should be invited to be a member of the group, but was not.
“Now you need to decide that each of you has a right in God's kingdom to receive the advantages of membership, advantages such as friendliness, help and even constructive criticism.”
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CONTRACTING STEP ELEVEN: Help the group explore the feelings of each member about being in the group so that work in the group can be as free as possible of fear, ambivalence, anger, embarrassment, etc.
“It will help if the team will ask each member how it feels to be on such a team as this is going to be.”
"Seek out if anyone has reservations and fears. Help each other to express hopes and expectations." |
CONTRACTING STEP TWELVE: Help the group explore what kinds of individual behavior will be expected of each of the members if the group is to go well and be successful in working toward the group purpose. After dealing with individual behaviors that will help the group succeed, discuss what behaviors will be detrimental to group success.
“It would be a good idea at this time to discuss among yourselves what might be required from each of you to help the team successfully work at accomplishing the team’s purpose of leading the church to become all that Jesus Christ wants it to be.”
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CONTRACTING STEP THIRTEEN: Help the group consider what it will need to do as a group, i.e. the group as a whole rather than the individual members. Help them to identify things like creating a "can do", positive, accepting atmosphere. There is no need for the group members to understand the span of their responsibilities. But they do need to know that the group as a whole will need to do many things – as a group. Considering some of them at the beginning of the group will focus the minds of group members on their existence as a group as a whole rather than as individuals.
“You might want to think of your team as a football team. There are many things that each of you must do for the team to be successful, as we have already discussed. For example, one of you might have to block, another go out for a pass, and another throw the football.”
“But, like a football team, there are many things you will have to do as a team. The football team as a team needs to get that pigskin across the goal line. You as a team also have responsibilities such as making every team member feel important, accepted and capable.” “So, what other things can you think of that you will have to do, working together to accomplish more than you can by mere individual contribution?” For example, only all of you working together can make the Team a safe place.” |
YOU AND THE TEAM PAUSE AND DISCUSS
“Let me run through a few of the team’s responsibilities. The team will need to stay on track and keep focused on its purpose. Most teams fail because they do not fully understand and faithfully pursue their purpose. You will need to see that everyone in the team is helped. Etc. Etc.”
“Sometimes the team will be like a tag wrestling match. One of you will say something to somebody. That somebody will not understand. Another of you will explain what was said in your own different way of saying things. That will probably help the person understand what the first person said to him or her. Maybe somebody will become defensive. Then someone else will reassure that person of his or her worth, even though what was said might be true. Occasionally, and this is a sign of a strong team, one of you will invite another to help in the process, such as saying, ‘Mike, you have a good way of saying things. Can you tell Carol what you heard John saying to her?’ This is called synergy, and it shows how much more you can get done working together as a team.” |
CONTRACTING STEP FOURTEEN: Help the group discuss general goals necessary to achieve the group's purpose.
“You now need to discuss your job descriptions in light of the purpose we have just clarified and adopted. Talk with each other about how what you hope to do will aid the church in becoming all that Jesus wants it to be."
"Now, what is left out? What needs to be added or subtracted from job descriptions to better help the church be what Jesus wants it to be?" |
Copyright 2012 Dick Wulf, Colorado, USA