seven habits of highly ineffective churches

Here is an article that was sent to me by a friend that was written by an author named Anthony Robinson that affords us the opportunity to laugh at ourselves and also to TURN and change.

ON THE THEORY that a capacity to laugh at ourselves and our foibles is good for the soul, I recently wrote a piece for use in my own denomination, the United Church of Christ, called "The Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches."
I suspect it can be generalized, with some mental editing, to temples, synagogues and other religious congregations.

Tongue in cheek, here it is:

1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing things with excellence, joy and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn't really expect much anyhow.

2. Take no risks. A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four boards or committees who understand it's their role to say no to any new ideas. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money or ruffle feathers.

3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: "If they want us, they know where to find us." Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It also can be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don't have that going for you, encourage ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their role.

4. Blame early and often. Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame "newcomers," or "people who don't understand how we do things in this church." If all else fails, blame the conference, the denomination or Satan.

5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. Have an all-purpose excuse such as, "I've just been so busy" (elaborate at great length just how busy you are, implying that no one else is busy). Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, such as, "Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy, too."

6. Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor(s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as the "Love Boat" and the pastor as the cruise director and activity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it's a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job.

7. Spend as little money as possible. Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things like a car or a cruise, you can demonstrate your commitment to modesty and simple lifestyle at church. The very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need renovation? If it was good enough for your grandparents, it'll be good enough for your grandchildren.

The other half and literally the flip side of the booklet is, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches." But we'll save those tips for another time.

Churches, temples and synagogues have a high calling -- to deepen the spiritual lives of their members. And yet they are very human institutions beset by human foibles and, yes, sin. In this, of course, they are not unlike other voluntary groups, companies and other institutions. Sometimes it's good to laugh at these things.

What's even better than laughing at our foibles are the countless people in congregations who, despite frustrations and challenges, continue to work and serve with flair, courage and good humor. Such wonderful people manage to remind us all of the grace and love that often go unseen or are taken for granted in our various communities of faith.

After all, it's no great thing to be active and engaged when everything is going swimmingly. It is a great thing when people persist when frustration is real and change of ineffective habits is slow in coming. Hats off to those who persist!