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No 5 |
Emmanuel Research Review
Resources for the urban pastor and community leader
published by
Emmanuel Gospel Center, Boston
Issue No. 5, August 11,
2004
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Welcome to the fifth edition of the Emmanuel Research Review, a publication of the Emmanuel Gospel Center. The Review features articles, papers, resources and information that we believe are helpful and relevant to urban pastors, leaders, and community members in their efforts to effectively serve their communities.
We value your input! Let us know how we can be of service to you. And please
feel free to send us your comments, suggestions for topics to be discussed, as
well as ideas for further discussion about any of the information presented
here. Our hope is to facilitate dialogue about these important topics to
increase mutual understanding and support fruitful collaboration.
Rev. Jay Broadnax
Director of
Applied Research
When Solving the Problem IS the Problem
At the Emmanuel Gospel Center, we work to provide resources that will improve the health of urban churches. One of our favorites is an approach to problem solving called “systems thinking.” Originally developed for use in business management, systems thinking does more than just increase profits—it allows us to see the interconnected, relational nature of reality. It can help any organization—even a church—move toward becoming a harmonious learning team!
In his article, "How To Get Off the Quick Fix Treadmill: Gaining perspective through systems thinking," Rev. Paul Bothwell, a veteran church planter, pastor, educator and missionary, provides a down-to-earth example of how systems thinking can speak to the daily crises all of us face in church life. Have you ever felt overwhelmed, angry, or discouraged because it seems you must always come to the rescue because others drop the ball? If so, this article will encourage you. It may even give you a hunger to learn more.
For those wanting to dig deeper, we have compiled a number of web links and a bibliography of key works on systems thinking.
by Rev. Paul Bothwell
Urban/Ethnic Ministry Specialist
Mission to the
Americas
Systems Thinking—what is it? And what’s it good for? Here’s a brief look at one painful story of life in ministry, and how a basic systems thinking tool might help you understand the problem, diagnose the issues, figure out what you could do about it, and change the recurring cycle that’s killing you!
You’ve seen it before, in your own church, right? You, the pastor, are working as hard as you can already, and then there’s another crisis. Maybe this time it’s the impending collapse of the final program and family barbeque after the 5-Day Kids’ Clubs you’ve been running in the neighborhood. Everyone in the church says they’re committed to outreach and evangelism, but someone dropped the ball here—again—and disaster is looming. You jump in, desperately run the whole thing yourself, and then collapse from exhaustion at home that night.
You’re confused, and so angry. Why does this keep happening? Where are the other leaders in the church? Doesn’t anyone care about the increasing amounts of effort, energy, and attention that you have to expend in these recurring crises to keep things going? You have a nagging sense that tonight’s problem is part of a larger, deeper leadership issue that has been getting worse over time—and that maybe your “quick fix” each time, your heroic action, is contributing to more problems in the future. But the pain or cost of not doing something right away, each time, is much more real and immediate than the impact of any delayed, undesirable consequences down the road. You’ll worry about those deeper concerns later; it’s all too complex right now. Besides, you still have three or four phone calls to make about the mix-up in tomorrow’s worship schedule…
This is a classic example of the “Fixes That Fail” situation, a stubbornly recurring cycle in organizational life (and personal life!) that systems thinking skills can help us break. Fixes That Fail is one of a number of “archetypes”: simple, generic systems thinking tools that open a window onto these recurring and baffling “problem stories” that happen in all walks of organizational life. Systems archetypes help us deepen our understanding of these complex challenges and then design effective action plans for addressing them.
In the Fixes That Fail archetype, a problem symptom cries out for resolution. A solution is quickly implemented, which alleviates the symptom. However, the solution produces unintended consequences that, after a delay, cause the original problem symptom to return to its previous level or even get worse! This development leads us to apply the same “fix” again, and again, and we get caught in a perpetual, reinforcing cycle of solving yesterday’s “solutions.”
HELP! How can we get off the quick-fix treadmill, and identify fixes that are doing more harm than good? And better yet, how can we design interventions that will break the cycle and begin to resolve the more fundamental causes underneath the recurring problem?
Understanding a little of the generic structure underneath the cycle helps us break the cycle. As you see below, there are two loops at work. One is the loop containing the problem symptom and the quick fix—a balancing loop (B1) that works for a while, but recurrently the symptom rises again.
The second loop usually begins out of sight, and unfolds relatively
slowly. It is the reinforcing process (R2) that is the unintended consequences
of the fix, slowly reinforcing the problem symptom. Note that the delay
is another important component in the Fixes That Fail story—important because it
has such a destructive impact over time. There is delay before the unintended
consequences begin to take effect, an even longer delay before anyone notices,
and by that time the “fixing” behavior is so entrenched that it’s almost
impossible to stop.
So, using the diagram, let’s start by trying to name the problem symptom: recurring lack-of-leadership crises that call for constant fire-fighting by someone—and no one steps up!
The quick fix: the pastor, who is closest to the problem and feels the pain the most, quickly attends to the crisis to bring it under control—at great personal and organizational cost.
The intended consequences of the quick fix are clear: solve the visible problem and get us through! Being under pressure, there is little time for the pastor to consider the deeper nature of the problem or what might be the long-term consequences. In fact, pastoral heroics seem to work, at least for a while—what a relief!
The unintended consequences: Pastoral heroics are addictive to everyone, including the pastor. The church learns to continually create crises, the pastor pulls the church through, and we create new hero-legend! BUT fire-fighting wreaks havoc and disrupts focus on anything longer-term—like sustained leadership development and real church vitality. Everyone gets used to the pastor always saving the day; no one else is really needed. The people can cheer or boo from the sidelines; somehow “things always work out—and why is the pastor whining so much about this, anyway?”
The more fundamental solution? Someone needs to be constantly enlarging the circle of leaders through systematic ministry training: building in new entry points; having a good training pathway; creating appropriate roles for leaders at different stages of development (i.e. emerging leaders, developing leaders, maturing leaders, seasoned leaders); teaching leaders how to develop new leaders themselves; helping the church learn to trust and support new leaders; developing a healthier role for the pastor(s), etc.
What might be some steps toward turning around an existing Fixes That Fail dynamic, or better yet, avoid getting into the situation in the first place? Simply put, first acknowledge that the quick fix is not really solving the problem; it’s merely alleviating a (recurring) symptom. Then commit to solving the real problem now. Realistically, for a while you may have to continue applying the immediate fix while simultaneously working out a plan for a more fundamental solution. But here are (without any elaboration – sorry…) a few guidelines you might use to get off the treadmill:
In getting started with systems thinking, working alone doesn’t get you far.
Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops, Virginia Anderson and Lauren Johnson (Pegasus Communications, Waltham)
Systems Archetype Basics: From Story to Structure, Daniel H. Kim and Virginia Anderson (Pegasus Communications, Waltham, MA)
Getting Started with Systems Thinking: Tools for Organizational Change, an e-book; One of the series “Essential Readings for the Innovative Organization,” Pegasus Communications, Waltham, MA
For more resources, see below.
Rev. Paul Bothwell is an urban missionary with Mission to the Americas (MTTA). In 1977 Rev. Bothwell helped plant Jesus Helps Neighborhood Church in Roxbury, and pastored there until 1984, when he was called to direct URBACAD (Urban Academy), a discipleship program. By 1990 his role expanded to include being the Boston-area Team Leader of MTTA’s Urban Ministries, and in 2003 he was appointed the MTTA Urban/Ethnic Ministry Specialist for urban New England. His passion is developing healthy church multiplication movements in Boston and spreading around the globe. By 2004, the MTTA initiative in Boston yielded 15 churches of five different languages. Through the “train and multiply” mindset shaped by Paul’s work and the MTTA Team, these churches have, in turn, catalyzed over 150 churches overseas through their own global networks.
Congregational Resource Guide http://www.congregationalresources.org/
Alban Institute’s extensive annotated list of resources for churches on promoting congregational vitality, developing leadership, and implementing public ministry. Several subtopics use applications of systems theory. Subtopics also include resources for urban churches. A major section of the website is titled “Resources for and from African American congregations.” (http://www.congregationalresources.org/aar/rg.asp)
Systems Thinking and the Commitment Level Model http://www.sonlifeafrica.com/model/systems.htm)
This online article applies each of Peter Senge’s five disciplines to Christian leadership and youth ministry. The author also discusses principles, steps, and areas to focus on within each discipline as it relates to Christian ministry.
Applying Systems Thinking to Ministry, by James Choung http://regions.ivcf.org/academic/1935
In this paper, Choung takes Peter Senge’s five disciplines and provides a biblical example for each, with reflections and applications for ministry. He also gives very brief explanations of the disciplines.
Church Health Resources http://www.efca.org/health/checkup/
This website has many practical congregational resources for assessment, planning, and church outreach. A downloadable Vital Signs Kit provides questionnaires and instruction in monitoring a church’s vitality, especially in relation to outreach and lay ministry. Issues of the newsletter Leading Edge contain helpful insights and annotated lists of resources. The website shares significant practical ministry advice on topics like leading courageously, training for disciplemaking, starting strategic planning, measuring church health, and others. Some of the topics draw on systems theory.
The Church and Systems Thinking
Campbell, Dennis G. Congregations as Learning Communities: Tools for Shaping Your Future. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 2000.
Campbell draws on Senge and others to explain helpful tools for understanding congregations. Includes chapters on analyzing your congregation’s culture, conducting “appreciative inquiry,” and doing scenario planning.
Parsons, George, and Speed B. Leas. Understanding Your Congregation as a System. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 1993.
The authors emphasize “moving out of excesses” in the congregation using several different diagnostic scales.
Steinke, Peter L. Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 1996.
Steinke looks at the health of a congregation as a process rather than a static thing. He says, “Health is not an end, but a means to fulfill the purpose of life.” The congregation is seen as an organism or system involving human interactions and mutual influences. The author uses a family systems approach.
The Church and the Systems Discipline of Learning Teams, and Equipping Lay People for Leadership & Ministry
Barna, George. The Power of Team Leadership: Finding Strength in Shared Responsibility. Colorado Springs, Col.: Waterbrook Press, 2001.
Cladis, George. Leading the Team-Based Church. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999.
Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team. Rev. ed. Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, 2001.
Crabtree, Davida Fay. The Empowering Church: How One Congregation Supports Lay People’s Ministries in the World. Washington, D.C.: The Alban Institute, 1989.
Lombardi, Joseph. “Jesus Led a Team.” Boston: 2003. Unpublished paper. Developing learning teams is part of a systems approach. The author explains the pattern Jesus followed in team ministry. For a copy, contact Melanie Sorli at Emmanuel Gospel Center.
Mallory, Susan. The Equipping Church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2001.
Stevens, R. Paul. The Equipper’s Guide to Every-Member Ministry: Eight Ways Ordinary People Can Do the Work of the Church. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1992. (Available in reprint from Regent College Publishing, 6800 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2E4)
Stevens, R. Paul, and Phil Collins. The Equipping Pastor: A Systems Approach to Congregational Leadership. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 1993.
Leading Churches through Change
Coutts, Peter. “John Kotter on Leading Change.” St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Calgary, 2000. http://www.telusplanet.net/public/pdcoutts/leadership/Kotter.htm
Summarizes Kotter’s eight phases of change for the church context.
Herrington, James, Mike Bonem, and James Furr. Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
This highly recommended book draws on Kotter’s stages of the change process, and also incorporates aspects of spiritual and relational vitality and four essential learning disciplines. See also Jim Herrington’s City Reaching: The Road to Community Transformation.
Kotter, John. Leading Change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press, 1996.
Although written for a more general audience, many insights could be useful to the church. Explains the steps to lasting transformation, characteristics of the 21 st century organization, and the importance of lifelong learning for leaders.
General Resources on Systems Thinking
Anderson, Virginia, and Lauren Johnson. Systems Thinking: From Concepts to Causal Loops. Waltham, Mass.: Pegasus Communications, 1997. (For other publications by Pegasus, see their website : http://www.pegasuscom.com/ )
Good illustrations and learning activities. Read this introductory text and workbook along with a more comprehensive work.
Eriksson, Darek M. “Identification of Normative Sources for Systems Thinking: An Inquiry into the Religious Ground-Motives for Systems Thinking Paradigms.” Systems Research and Behavioral Science 20, no. 6 (Nov.-Dec. 2003):475-88.
For those interested in a deeper philosophical and theological analysis of the various approaches to systems theory, this article explores whether there is adequate foundations for ethical guidance. This is not easy reading, but may stimulate your thinking. See also works by J.D.R. de Raadt, including “Faith and the Normative Foundation of Systems Science.” Systems Practice 10, no.1 (1997): 13-35.
Gharajedaghi, Jamshid. Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1999.
“While organizations as a whole are becoming more and more interdependent the parts display choice and behave independently. This is the dilemma this book tries to resolve. It is a unique, cutting edge work, with a practical orientation and yet a profound theoretical depth, which goes far beyond what is currently available.”
Oshry, Barry. Seeing Systems: Unlocking the Mysteries of Organizational Life. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 1995.
The author provides insights and tools on systems in an understandable and simple form, but based on many years of experience.
Senge, Peter. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York : Doubleday/Currency, 1990.
A widely used and very influential book on systems thinking. See also the Fifth Discipline Fieldbook for additional practical applications.
Shibley, John. “A Primer on Systems Thinking and Organizational Learning.” http://www.systemsprimer.com/writings.htm
See especially : (1) “A Simple Introduction to Organizational Learning,” (2) “A Practice Theory for Organizational Learning,” (3) “Making a Loop: A Simple Method for Drawing Causal Loop Diagrams.” These articles can be very useful after you have read a general introduction to systems thinking (Senge, etc.).
Sweeney, Linda Booth. The Systems Thinking Playbook: Exercises to Stretch and Build Learning and Systems Thinking Capabilities. Durham, NH: The Institute for Policy and Social Science Research, 1995.
Active exercises which make the ideas and disciplines of systems thinking understandable. A good learning tool for facilitator and team training.
Who we are:
The mission of the Emmanuel Research Institute (ERI), an applied research and consulting service of the Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston, is to make information available that builds the capacity of urban churches and organizations to make decisions for effective action. Through research, training, and consulting, we equip urban churches and the organizations that support their work to better understand their urban community systems and serve them more effectively.
The Emmanuel Research Institute offers:
- Basic research such as The Boston Church Directory, periodically revised.
- Topical research such as studies on church-based youth ministry or access to higher education.
- Conferences and consultations that bring different parts of the community together to listen, discuss results, interpret meaning, and decide on next steps.
- Training on how to do applied research. Applied research is original work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge in order to develop an effective response. ERI’s training emphasizes practical application leading to organizational development and programmatic response.
- Published results of applied research to facilitate applied research by others.
- Individual and group consulting related to applied research, program development, strategic planning, evaluation, systems thinking, systems analysis, and church infrastructure.
- Speakers on a wide range of urban ministry topics.
ERI is working to strengthen and enhance its capacity to provide the following categories of products and services, some of which are already available and some of which are in development:
- Data for Informed Decision-Making – ERI will regularly gather, categorize, and maintain information on ethnic and immigration demographics, socio-political, economic, and cultural trends, trends and indicators of church vitality, trends and initiatives in parachurch and faith-based ministry, community needs assessments, and other topics.
- Training and Technical Assistance – ERI will deliver practical training, seminars, and consulting tailored to the needs of urban congregations and the organizations that support their work. These will include “Developing Learning Teams,” “Using Systems Thinking and Analysis,” “Research and Writing in Urban Studies,” “The Inner City – A Context For Ministry,” and “Listening to Your Community.” Some of this training will be offered through individualized technical assistance (working with a single church or organization), while some will be available in seminar or classroom settings.
- High-Quality Scholarship and Tools – ERI will publish, summarize and review studies, papers, and other tools that will help churches and parachurch organizations work more effectively in the urban context. We intend to develop online tools for access to this information, and better catalogue the printed resources for easier access.
- A Network of Resources – ERI maintains longstanding relationships with a variety of institutions that support local congregations, church leaders and faith-based organizations in their efforts to enhance their community effectiveness.
We look forward to working with your church or organization. Please contact us if you have specific questions, if you wish to discuss a project proposal, or if you need information. up†top
Emmanuel Research Review, copyright ©2004, Emmanuel Gospel Center. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint any or all of this newsletter, contact Rudy Mitchell by email or write:
Emmanuel Gospel Center
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PO Box 180245
Boston MA 02118-0994The Emmanuel Research Review is sent upon publication by email at no charge to a list of subscribers. To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the link on our homepage: www.egc.org.
Send your ideas and comments to:
- Rev. Jay Broadnax, Research Director, 617.262.4567 x180 or
- Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher, 617.262.4567 x133
- Gary VanderPol, Research Associate, 617.262.4567 x194
- Steve Daman, Editor