Here are the top four resolutions I would suggest for those who want to lead, serve, and belong to healthy churches:
RESOLVED, this will be a year when we listen to each other. Rather than assume they know what people need to hear, preachers will ask constituents what questions they are raising to God. Rather than project their own emotions and issues onto clergy, constituents will listen closely to what clergy are saying. We will all listen to the world around us, even if the news is grim.
RESOLVED, this will be a year when we grow our membership, starting with a fundamental commitment to see visitors, to engage them, and to make room for them. We have some tough budget decisions to make, but the biggest decision — and most hopeful, if daunting — is to seek growth.
RESOLVED, this will be a year when we embrace 21st Century technology, not only to save money by using e-mail, but to build community through shared information, to build trust through radical transparency, and to build bonds through participation.
RESOLVED, this will be a year when we accept “outcome-based decision-making.” We will fearlessly measure what we do. If a program, project, ministry or intention isn’t working, we will stop doing it. If something is working, we will make it stronger. No more chasing after failed ideas. No more avoiding conflict by not pulling the plug.
There is more to be done, of course. I hope clergy will take more time for their families and spiritual formation. I hope constituents will make the fundamental decision to worship regularly, to give sacrificially, and to embrace a personal mission on God’s behalf.
For guidance on how to pursue these resolutions, please join the Church Wellness Project, perhaps starting with our free weekly Church Wellness Report. Go to www.churchwellness.com to subscribe.
Tom Ehrich is a writer, church consultant and Episcopal priest based in New York. He is the author of “Just Wondering, Jesus,” and the founder of the Church Wellness Project.
