Challenge the Process

In an article in the catalyst groupzine, Andy Stanley writes, "Leaders must challenge the process precisely because any system will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change. It is the nature of things organizationally not to change in a healthy direction. It is the nature of things organizationally to find a happy place and stay there forever and ever and ever and ever."

I think that's why most churches stop growing around 120 people. It's a happy place. You can pay the pastor full-time, afford a building, and have enough people for a viable social network. It's a happy place. Leaders, though, have to challenge the process that allows us to stop at happy places!

The trick is to challenge the process without challenging the organization. We don't want to alienate those we are attempting to lead. It's a tight rope.