1. Organizing Principles of MidSize Congregations Source: George Bullard

2. Identifying the Three Factors of Core Congregational Ideology 1. Eternal Kingdom Mission. Theology What is the purpose of church?

3. Core Congregational Ideology 2. Everlasting Congregational Purpose. DNA via History Why was this church first founded? A “past-to-present” statement

4. Core Congregational Ideology 3. Enduring Core Values. Culture What <7 things that, if not present, then this would be a different congregation? Worship stuff, missions, denominational ties …

5. The Point? Don’t try to lead anything until you understand the core ideology of the church—it is “core” for a reason! This is the “master story” of the church As leader, you don’t necessarily have to maintain this core ideology, but you can’t lead until you demonstrate that you understand it well enough to propose going in a different direction

6. Once You’ve Grasped the Core … Then take a look at four things in congregational life to determine what is going on Vision Inclusion (Relationship Experiences) Program Management

7. V.I.P.M Organizing Principles 1. Vision The current understanding of God’s spiritual strategic direction of a local congregation cast by leadership, owned by membership The dream that fuels the congregation forward “Felt” more than declared; <15 words You have vision when 15-20% of active attending adults can answer “the question” right “What’s so special about your church?”

8. V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 2. Inclusion (Relationship Experiences) The relational process by which persons: are brought to faith, become involved, are connected with others, have opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership development, utilize their gifts and skills (missional service) Assimilation issues Relationship to God and one another

9. V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 3. Programs The functional attempts to provide occasional and ongoing ministries, services, activities, and training for people related to the congregation by membership, fellowship, or through inclusion processes

10. V.I.P.M. Organizing Principles 4. Management The administration of the various resources of the congregation Decision-making structure Formal/informal culture of the church Readiness of the congregation for change/growth 4”B’s”: Bodies, Bucks, Buildings, & Boards Or ABC’s, nickels/noses, etc.!

11. Prime-time Alignment of Organizing Principles Vision: Driver’s seat Inclusion: shotgun front seat Programs: backseat, passenger side Management: backseat, driver side

12. Young or Old V.I.P.M. Positioning? Vision moves church younger, Management older Inclusion moves church younger, Programs older All four are in the car, though

13. What’s working … (and what’s not) Congregations that are growing in vision and inclusion (relationship experiences) are becoming more vital Congregations growing in program and management are becoming more stagnant

14. Organizing Principles of MidSize Congregations Copyright John P. Chandler, 2000