As the common saying goes, "attitude is everything." It is what makes the difference in how hospitable a congregation is, how externally-focused it is, its priority for spiritual growth, its openness to change and so on. The determining factor in congregational flourishing often comes down to attitudes. Change initiatives can grind to a halt when prevailing attitudes impede movement, frequently leaving demoralized leaders with the belief that attitudes don't change. But attitudes can change, and leaders who have an understanding of the anatomy of an attitude can help congregants reconsider and revise them.
An attitude is made up of three components: a belief, an evaluation, and a strength. At the core of an attitude is a belief about something (what is called the attitude's object). Let's imagine a person's attitude towards contemporary worship music (the object). A person might believe this music is loud, simplistic and monotonous. Next, what really empowers an attitude is the evaluation one makes of the belief: that it is good or bad, true or false, right or wrong. In our example our worshiper might evaluate her belief about contemporary worship music as "I dislike it." Finally, every evaluation has a strength. Our congregant may simply not prefer contemporary music or she might really hate it. Leaders encourage attitude change by helping congregants review and revise any of an attitude's components: the belief, the evaluation or the strength. Read more from Peter Coutts »
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| IDEAS THAT IMPACT: CONGREGATIONAL MINDSET
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Organizations must accept that the world is dynamic, chaotic and changing. Adjusting to that new reality requires institutions to embrace a new kind of learning environment.
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Activities practiced over time become habits -- and activities shape and are shaped by mindsets in the organization and character traits of the people.
Read more from David Odom »
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The co-author of Stephen Covey's new book, "The 3rd Alternative," says leaders who are able to cultivate a mindset that can entertain wildly divergent ideas not only encounter less conflict but also come up with more inspired answers.
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It seems like only yesterday that you were the pastor of a congregation, and now you are offering leadership to your denomination at the regional or national level. Not only are the scope and scale of your responsibilities different, so too are your available resources and the ways you can lead effectively. This four-day educational event is designed so you can consider your practice of leadership and be equipped with the tools and strategies you need to navigate the complexities and changing landscape of denominational and institutional life today.
People of all denominations who are transitioning into executive-level positions within denominational governing bodies or who have been in their role fewer than three years are welcome to apply for this selective program.
This event will offer participants:a variety of learning experiences designed to develop their individual leadership capacity;the opportunity to learn about their leadership by receiving 360-degree feedback;ways of understanding change processes and transition times;strategies for practicing innovation at the regional or national level;tools for responding to challenges that are particular to the work of a denominational executive, including managing personnel processes, having "critical conversations" and offering difficult feedback; andtimes to network with colleagues in similar positions. |
Humans have been choice-makers since the days when hunter-gatherers had to decide when to hunt and what to gather. Making choices is what humans do. But individuals feel more personal autonomy and power to choose today than ever before in human history.
In Choosing Change, author Peter Coutts acknowledges that clergy today recognize the impact our individualistic culture of choice is having on congregations. But Coutts also points out that many leaders do not think about motivation. For them, encouraging change is about selling their congregation on a new idea, governed by the assumption that a better idea should win the day. Wide experience in the church demonstrates that this approach often doesn't work and leaves many congregational leaders demoralized. A new approach must be tried.
In the first half of the book, Coutts explores theories, ideas, and terms that are most pertinent for leaders who desire to encourage congregational change. The second half of the book offers detailed guidance for congregational leaders who want to be motivational leaders.
Learn more and order the book »
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LAST WEEK: ALBAN eBOOKS ON SALE Use promo code ALBAN16 when you order on the
Rowman & Littlefield website to take 30% off any eBook from Alban Books! Offer ends on June 30, 2016. |
| Discount cannot be combined with other special offers and only applies to purchases made directly from Rowman & Littlefield. eBooks must be ordered online and cannot be combined with print orders. |
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