Fight Gravity

Astro Studios, a branding and web design firm, is on a mission to
"fight gravity". These pins are to remind employees of the mission. 
The firm calls it a "pin for the win". 

I believe that some of my best teachings in church leadership come from secular sources. I appreciate many of the leadership books that I have read that are targeted toward business or non-profit organization leadership skills. Authors with leadership experience in multiple fields offer a perspective that stretches me beyond my own perspective. In addition to books on leadership, I read articles online and check out magazines that specialize in leadership trends.

For years I have followed news from Fast Company, a magazine that covers business and marketing trends, highlighting excellence in innovation and ground-breaking creativity. Recently, I read an article on fastcodesign.com, "Eight Design Principles to Live and Die By." (September 26, 2017)

The article lifts up the work of Brett Lovelady, founder of Astro Studios, a web design and marketing company. Lovelady shared that the "mantra" of their company is "fight gravity". "For us, fight gravity means to passionately and aggressively pull away from mediocrity. You're fighting against the expected forces of mediocrity. It's easy to do what's expected. How do you do more than that?"

Astro Studio's founder suggests that an organization fights gravity by first, pursuing the unknown with energy and purpose. Second, by exceeding expectations whenever possible. And third, by looking for opportunities to create something new, even when working with existing products and programs. 

What would the work of the church be like if the followers of Jesus Christ committed to "fight gravity"? What would happen if, in the name of making disciples, we "passionately and aggressively pulled away from mediocrity"?

I've heard it said that for many years church membership in our denomination has meant a commitment to "attend worship a little, give a little and serve a little". While I am continually inspired by the ministry of the faithful, there is some truth to the observation. For many, "doing church" the way we've done it for decades is good enough. Despite massive cultural shifts in our society, there are those who believe that doing the same thing, even as leadership grows weary, will make the difference. With low expectations, we come to accept mediocrity in the mission and ministry of the church

Through Vital Church Initiative, a renewal project that Brighton First undertook in 2015-2017, our church has been pushed to stretch beyond mediocrity, carefully evaluating our mission and ministry and refusing to settle for "good enough". I have found that this is challenging, yet life-giving work. It is very hard to fight gravity.

The good news is that there are people who passionately want others to come to belief in Jesus Christ and to grow in faith. At Brighton First they serve in worship, faith formation and mission ministries. Our church leaders on our administrative teams desire that our church rise to excellence so that those who encounter our ministry are moved to know God, love God and serve God.

Today, we critically evaluate each worship service looking for moments of connection, transformation and transcendence. We ask mission and outreach team members to watch for God working in their ministry and lead evaluations of their mission is complete. I believe that we are growing a cultural foundation that will not settle for mediocrity. The stakes, making disciples for Jesus Christ, are too high.

I give thanks for the leaders and servants of Brighton First who are pursuing excellence, working to exceed expectations and, by God's grace, fighting gravity.

Fight Gravity

Astro Studios, a branding and web design firm, is on a mission to
"fight gravity". These pins are to remind employees of the mission. 
The firm calls it a "pin for the win". 

I believe that some of my best teachings in church leadership come from secular sources. I appreciate many of the leadership books that I have read that are targeted toward business or non-profit organization leadership skills. Authors with leadership experience in multiple fields offer a perspective that stretches me beyond my own perspective. In addition to books on leadership, I read articles online and check out magazines that specialize in leadership trends.

For years I have followed news from Fast Company, a magazine that covers business and marketing trends, highlighting excellence in innovation and ground-breaking creativity. Recently, I read an article on fastcodesign.com, "Eight Design Principles to Live and Die By." (September 26, 2017)

The article lifts up the work of Brett Lovelady, founder of Astro Studios, a web design and marketing company. Lovelady shared that the "mantra" of their company is "fight gravity". "For us, fight gravity means to passionately and aggressively pull away from mediocrity. You're fighting against the expected forces of mediocrity. It's easy to do what's expected. How do you do more than that?"

Astro Studio's founder suggests that an organization fights gravity by first, pursuing the unknown with energy and purpose. Second, by exceeding expectations whenever possible. And third, by looking for opportunities to create something new, even when working with existing products and programs. 

What would the work of the church be like if the followers of Jesus Christ committed to "fight gravity"? What would happen if, in the name of making disciples, we "passionately and aggressively pulled away from mediocrity"?

I've heard it said that for many years church membership in our denomination has meant a commitment to "attend worship a little, give a little and serve a little". While I am continually inspired by the ministry of the faithful, there is some truth to the observation. For many, "doing church" the way we've done it for decades is good enough. Despite massive cultural shifts in our society, there are those who believe that doing the same thing, even as leadership grows weary, will make the difference. With low expectations, we come to accept mediocrity in the mission and ministry of the church

Through Vital Church Initiative, a renewal project that Brighton First undertook in 2015-2017, our church has been pushed to stretch beyond mediocrity, carefully evaluating our mission and ministry and refusing to settle for "good enough". I have found that this is challenging, yet life-giving work. It is very hard to fight gravity.

The good news is that there are people who passionately want others to come to belief in Jesus Christ and to grow in faith. At Brighton First they serve in worship, faith formation and mission ministries. Our church leaders on our administrative teams desire that our church rise to excellence so that those who encounter our ministry are moved to know God, love God and serve God.

Today, we critically evaluate each worship service looking for moments of connection, transformation and transcendence. We ask mission and outreach team members to watch for God working in their ministry and lead evaluations of their mission is complete. I believe that we are growing a cultural foundation that will not settle for mediocrity. The stakes, making disciples for Jesus Christ, are too high.

I give thanks for the leaders and servants of Brighton First who are pursuing excellence, working to exceed expectations and, by God's grace, fighting gravity.

Leadership Development at Brighton First

Growing vital churches make it a practice to be continually developing and equipping leaders. The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Report observed that while Brighton First is blessed with wonderful people resources in its congregation, there is little effort to develop, train, deploy and encourage leadership. The congregation agreed, by voting to implement the consultation report, to strengthen leadership development.

The first action was carried out in December 2015 and January 2016, when there was a church-wide call to take part in a Spiritual Gifts Inventory. The Inventory, authored by Rev. Loretta Job, provided many congregation members with insights into their spiritual gifts and how those gifts could be used in ministry within the church and beyond. Brighton First now has a database of church members' spiritual gifts, and leaders are able to use the information to seek out those who have gifts for particular areas of service. In addition, the database continues to grow as new church members are encouraged to complete the inventory. It is also the plan that there will be an annual call for those who have not completed the Spiritual Gifts Inventory to do so.

As another part of leadership development, the senior pastor is tasked with providing clear, measurable goals for church staff and all church leaders. This process has begun with the Staff-Parish working to clarify staff job descriptions. Once this process is done, goals based on the mission and vision of the church can be developed. Goals for boards and committees within the church are nearing completion with the development of a Strategic Plan that should be in place by the fall.

When Bob Fuchs was approved to become a candidate
for pastoral ministry, the congregation commissioned him
in prayer.

A third portion of leadership development includes training for leaders. Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, is assisting me in developing an on-going training program for church leaders. The short-term class will include education about the mission and vision of Brighton First, development of individual spiritual practices, and training in leadership skills and intentional goal setting. Those who attend the class will receive a booklet that will answer basic administrative questions. The majority of class time will be used to develop skills for faith-filled leadership.

I have determined that while it is a joy for me to lead Bible studies and other topical classes, my teaching time must be spent in leadership development. I look forward to the first leadership course this semester and to implementing on-going training for our church leaders. Please keep leadership development at Brighton First in prayer.

Finally, the leaders of Brighton First are determined to continue as a church with a "culture of call". This means that we are not only committed to developing leadership for the local church, but for the greater church. Brighton First nurtures, encourages and equips those who are called into professional ministry. While this is not a stated goal of the Vital Church Initiative, we recognize the importance of this work and have included it in our Strategic Plan.

Leadership Development at Brighton First

Growing vital churches make it a practice to be continually developing and equipping leaders. The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Report observed that while Brighton First is blessed with wonderful people resources in its congregation, there is little effort to develop, train, deploy and encourage leadership. The congregation agreed, by voting to implement the consultation report, to strengthen leadership development.

The first action was carried out in December 2015 and January 2016, when there was a church-wide call to take part in a Spiritual Gifts Inventory. The Inventory, authored by Rev. Loretta Job, provided many congregation members with insights into their spiritual gifts and how those gifts could be used in ministry within the church and beyond. Brighton First now has a database of church members' spiritual gifts, and leaders are able to use the information to seek out those who have gifts for particular areas of service. In addition, the database continues to grow as new church members are encouraged to complete the inventory. It is also the plan that there will be an annual call for those who have not completed the Spiritual Gifts Inventory to do so.

As another part of leadership development, the senior pastor is tasked with providing clear, measurable goals for church staff and all church leaders. This process has begun with the Staff-Parish working to clarify staff job descriptions. Once this process is done, goals based on the mission and vision of the church can be developed. Goals for boards and committees within the church are nearing completion with the development of a Strategic Plan that should be in place by the fall.

When Bob Fuchs was approved to become a candidate
for pastoral ministry, the congregation commissioned him
in prayer.

A third portion of leadership development includes training for leaders. Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, is assisting me in developing an on-going training program for church leaders. The short-term class will include education about the mission and vision of Brighton First, development of individual spiritual practices, and training in leadership skills and intentional goal setting. Those who attend the class will receive a booklet that will answer basic administrative questions. The majority of class time will be used to develop skills for faith-filled leadership.

I have determined that while it is a joy for me to lead Bible studies and other topical classes, my teaching time must be spent in leadership development. I look forward to the first leadership course this semester and to implementing on-going training for our church leaders. Please keep leadership development at Brighton First in prayer.

Finally, the leaders of Brighton First are determined to continue as a church with a "culture of call". This means that we are not only committed to developing leadership for the local church, but for the greater church. Brighton First nurtures, encourages and equips those who are called into professional ministry. While this is not a stated goal of the Vital Church Initiative, we recognize the importance of this work and have included it in our Strategic Plan.

Children's Ministry Committee Demonstrates Leadership

The Children's Ministries Committee oversees all ministries related to children, infant through fourth grade. Some members of this team are Sunday school teachers and others have taught Sunday school. Other members have skills in creating and leading children's ministries. All members of the team have a heart for helping children to become disciples of Christ.

In recent months, this committee has been in transition and has offered leadership in significant ways.

In September 2015, Children's Ministry Director Anne Walters resigned. Because the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (Human Resources) was in the midst of redefining staff roles and purpose, the committee chose to delay hiring a new director. Brighton First was without a director from October 2015 through January 2016.

For the last several years our children's ministries, as well as other program areas in the our church, have been staff-led. In many cases most of the organization and specific preparation for events has been carried out by staff members. Through Vital Church Initiative we have discovered that this model does not allow for leaders to rise up in the congregation nor for members of the congregation to participate fully in the ministry and mission of the church.

When the director resigned, the Children's Ministries Committee made the choice to carry on. In the past, staff members did much of the preparation for special events, provided Sunday school teacher coverage and carried out curriculum ordering and design. This all changed. Committee members and other volunteers took leadership in those areas.

Not only did children's ministries special events continue strong, but children's missions and Brighton First's special ministry to foster care children in Livingston County, Hope's Closet, continued under the leadership of congregation members.

Brighton First is a gifted congregation. I give thanks for the leaders who give time and effort in the name of Jesus Christ. Our newly hired Children's Ministries Director Missy Setty understands her role to be vision-caster, leader and equipper.

The goal for Children's Ministry is that all projects and programs will be informed by the mission and vision of Brighton First.  Congregation members will lead and be encouraged, equipped and assisted by the Children's Ministries Director.

Children's Ministry Committee Demonstrates Leadership

The Children's Ministries Committee oversees all ministries related to children, infant through fourth grade. Some members of this team are Sunday school teachers and others have taught Sunday school. Other members have skills in creating and leading children's ministries. All members of the team have a heart for helping children to become disciples of Christ.

In recent months, this committee has been in transition and has offered leadership in significant ways.

In September 2015, Children's Ministry Director Anne Walters resigned. Because the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (Human Resources) was in the midst of redefining staff roles and purpose, the committee chose to delay hiring a new director. Brighton First was without a director from October 2015 through January 2016.

For the last several years our children's ministries, as well as other program areas in the our church, have been staff-led. In many cases most of the organization and specific preparation for events has been carried out by staff members. Through Vital Church Initiative we have discovered that this model does not allow for leaders to rise up in the congregation nor for members of the congregation to participate fully in the ministry and mission of the church.

When the director resigned, the Children's Ministries Committee made the choice to carry on. In the past, staff members did much of the preparation for special events, provided Sunday school teacher coverage and carried out curriculum ordering and design. This all changed. Committee members and other volunteers took leadership in those areas.

Not only did children's ministries special events continue strong, but children's missions and Brighton First's special ministry to foster care children in Livingston County, Hope's Closet, continued under the leadership of congregation members.

Brighton First is a gifted congregation. I give thanks for the leaders who give time and effort in the name of Jesus Christ. Our newly hired Children's Ministries Director Missy Setty understands her role to be vision-caster, leader and equipper.

The goal for Children's Ministry is that all projects and programs will be informed by the mission and vision of Brighton First.  Congregation members will lead and be encouraged, equipped and assisted by the Children's Ministries Director.