Recently, I was asked to clarify what I mean by the term "Intentional Redevelopment! My use of the term has emerged from years of collaboration with redevelopers in several denominations (both lay and ordained). Two terms used – first an explanation of the ways in which we use "Redeveloper."
Early in the right side of the congregational lifecycle (moving into decline, after stability) redefinition of the ministry is an appropriate intervention. If there is a delayed leadership response to the realities of decline, redevelopment is necessary. Redevelopment involves the following interventions, as offered by a differentiated leader:
Surveying the parish’s current reality with truthful and appreciative approaches.
Assessing readiness -- just how ready are the core leaders for change?
Developing a fresh sense of “Holy Urgency” and introducing an archeology of hope.
Outlining the process of "Re-Rooting" in the ministry context that the faith community is called to serve.
Going public with the emerging redevelopment intentions.
Gathering a core team for learning the practice of Spirit-Spotting, renewed life and hosting fresh conversations.
Covenanting for new behaviors and new outcomes both on the local parish level, as well as with Diocesan leadership.
Getting back to the basics – evangelism, worship, fellowship and ministry – in a new key for the redeveloping community.
Secondly, we use the term, "Intentional" since so many of our leaders need to be convinced that there is an art form / science / social technology to sustainable redevelopment. Many of our clergy and lay leaders have been taught (even recently) that if they will simply offer excellent liturgy and/or preaching, the ministry in decline will "turn around." Others still believe that redevelopment is the same as redefinition or that redevelopment happens more "incidentally." Our studies with "serial redevelopers" tell us that "intentional redevelopment" is more like a gracious and compassionate intervention.
At its core, Intentional Redevelopment is a multi-disciplinary approach to shifting embedded behavioral systems and entrenched behaviors. That said, sometimes diocesan leaders and local clergy have waited too long for redevelopment to be a suitable and compassionate response. Redevelopment typically includes the compassionate disturbance of coherence, whether on the local, adjudicatory or denominational levels.
Additional resources:
Pathways to renewal
Holy conversations
Orbiting the giant hairball
The art of the start
Theory U
Born of water, born of Spirit
Finally, the best resource would be for you to come join us on the 4th Friday of every month at 4 o'clock Eastern! We'll look for you!
