During Working In The Blue Pastor Jim Hitchener Explains The Three Styles Of Leadership - Passive, Aggressive and Constructive
What was the purpose for the weekend?
To introduce the fellowship to the concept of "culture" in the church environment. Often visitors find a 'difference' between their home fellowship and the one they are visiting - the beliefs are the same, but there is something different - this may be the way people behave in relation to certain stimuli - this is described as culture - 'the way we do things around here'
What are the expected outcomes of the weekend?
To understand the principles of and benefits of adopting a 'constructive' culture rather than 'defensive' cultures. Many groups, whether they are work or church groups work under an aggressive defensive leadership style (red) which in turn creates a passive defensive response (green), which is far less efficient at providing the results sought than the constructive culture (blue). Participants are introduced to the four constructive 'behaviours' and exhorted to implement these at the expense of eight defensive behaviours which are defined.
What does the weekend involve?
A two hour introductory lecture is followed by a workshop session. The lecture covers the base theory, developed by social scientists who have validated their work with extensive research in the business environment in the first hour, then the application of Scripture to the model to prove that successful business models follow Kingdom Principles. This validates the model as a useful tool to workshop how culture may be diagnosed, proposed changes defined, and an implementation process for change proposed.
Why should people want to go through presentation and work groups?
To obtain the knowledge first hand rather than rely on someone else's interpretation. They can have an input into how they think their culture should be in the future, and use their experience to evaluate the past.
What do people get out of the presentation?
An alternative way to think about their relationships with others in the Body of Christ using a Scriptural framework they have not been exposed to previously - this gives them a refreshing look at problems and opportunities so they can enthusiastically revisit them and have some real direction in solving issues involving them.
Why did you do work groups?
Work Groups enable participants to be involved actively in the process. 'Hearing' takes one so far but 'doing' reinforces the learning. This process allows the facilitator to unearth the real problems that need to be addressed by the leadership to assist with the change management process.
How will it help people's fellowships?
Fellowships showing a constructive culture are wonderful inviting environments to which one can bring friends - this change will impact on the enjoyment and satisfaction of members and see greater church participation and growth.
How can it help change the culture of a fellowship?
The culture will only change if the community receiving the instruction desires to make the change and follow the principles espoused. This will require some follow-up meetings by the participants, and a plan will need to be developed and revisited to ensure adoption, otherwise the culture will revert to the previous norm. It won't just happen, it needs a driving force to make it happen. However, small changes can result in a noticeable impact, and this encourages participants to follow on with change. There will be some who may oppose the change - some quite vigorously, and such people will require reassurance during the process.