Michael, thanks for sharing your story, your wisdom and the wisdom of others. I look forward to reading the follow up articles in the coming weeks. Blessings on this statistical journey.
Perhaps we should ask, "Who should be the source of all spiritual/congregational wisdom?' The obvious answer is the Holy Spirit who was not mentioned in the above article. He gives the unanticipated, creative direction we are seeking. James 1:5 counsels that if we lack wisdom we should ask God who will give it abundantly.
Almost all of the "vitality" in our ministry is coming from the fresh expressions. And none of that shows up on the reports we submit every year. Also, why do we even collect that information when year after year we do nothing with it?
I'm hopeful, mostly because this is coming from a practitioner who has skin in the game in real and current ministry. But I'm also skeptical because we have seen these big initiatives to rethink metrics so many times (ex. Towers Watson report about ten years ago). It usually doesn't go anywhere, because in the words of Einstein, "you can't solve problems at the level of the thinking that created them." You can't expect people whose livelihoods are dependent on the system not changing, to change the system.
Looking forward to learning more about the Mapping the Metrics report. A lot of people share opinions about perceptions on metrics; it will be good to have some solid data. I can tell you that current metrics in no way provide an accurate picture of vitality in our local church.
Dr Beck, I'm grateful for how you are able to serve in a denominational leadership position, while staying true to who you are and continuing in local ministry. It's rare in our system and I assume it doesn't win you many fans. Keep going. If no one has encouraged you lately, you are appreciated.
In the black church, wisdom is passed down generationally through faith and families. It comes back to hush harbors. It's how enslaved people carried their distinct knowledge and culture. This is spot on Dr Beck. Excited about this series.
I've always wondered what Jesus meant by "crafty as a serpent". This was helpful. I'm not sure how much wisdom I have to share, but it seems like young people don't respect older, wiser, elders these days.
Personally, I think of eastern spirituality when I think of wisdom. Which is sad because Jesus was a wisdom teacher. I wonder what similarities and differences there are between the two. And I wish decision makers in our denomination actually read your work. It's so insightful and could actually really help.
This is brilliant. I'm excited about all the conversations around metrics. Something that has needed to change for a long time. Looking forward to hear more about the report.
Wisdom seems like such a diverse and esoteric concept. How would you even measure it? I mean I know there are IQ scales, but wisdom seems harder to operationalize and measure.
I suspect the current presidential administration is a master class in unwise, unbiblical leadership. What does it say about the mainlines that so many of our members voted for and continue to support the most foolish man to ascend to the US presidency.
Michael, thanks for sharing your story, your wisdom and the wisdom of others. I look forward to reading the follow up articles in the coming weeks. Blessings on this statistical journey.
Thanks Andy, glad this one is resonating with you!
Perhaps we should ask, "Who should be the source of all spiritual/congregational wisdom?' The obvious answer is the Holy Spirit who was not mentioned in the above article. He gives the unanticipated, creative direction we are seeking. James 1:5 counsels that if we lack wisdom we should ask God who will give it abundantly.
You might appreciate this one… https://open.substack.com/pub/passionalchurch/p/transfigured-by-the-spirit-empowering
Almost all of the "vitality" in our ministry is coming from the fresh expressions. And none of that shows up on the reports we submit every year. Also, why do we even collect that information when year after year we do nothing with it?
I'm hopeful, mostly because this is coming from a practitioner who has skin in the game in real and current ministry. But I'm also skeptical because we have seen these big initiatives to rethink metrics so many times (ex. Towers Watson report about ten years ago). It usually doesn't go anywhere, because in the words of Einstein, "you can't solve problems at the level of the thinking that created them." You can't expect people whose livelihoods are dependent on the system not changing, to change the system.
Looking forward to learning more about the Mapping the Metrics report. A lot of people share opinions about perceptions on metrics; it will be good to have some solid data. I can tell you that current metrics in no way provide an accurate picture of vitality in our local church.
Dr Beck, I'm grateful for how you are able to serve in a denominational leadership position, while staying true to who you are and continuing in local ministry. It's rare in our system and I assume it doesn't win you many fans. Keep going. If no one has encouraged you lately, you are appreciated.
The U.S. has become a global case study in foolish leadership.
In the black church, wisdom is passed down generationally through faith and families. It comes back to hush harbors. It's how enslaved people carried their distinct knowledge and culture. This is spot on Dr Beck. Excited about this series.
I've always wondered what Jesus meant by "crafty as a serpent". This was helpful. I'm not sure how much wisdom I have to share, but it seems like young people don't respect older, wiser, elders these days.
I love that you squeezed some Yacht Rock into this post lol
Excellent pastor. Keep writing, it's your gift.
Personally, I think of eastern spirituality when I think of wisdom. Which is sad because Jesus was a wisdom teacher. I wonder what similarities and differences there are between the two. And I wish decision makers in our denomination actually read your work. It's so insightful and could actually really help.
This is brilliant. I'm excited about all the conversations around metrics. Something that has needed to change for a long time. Looking forward to hear more about the report.
Wisdom seems like such a diverse and esoteric concept. How would you even measure it? I mean I know there are IQ scales, but wisdom seems harder to operationalize and measure.
I suspect the current presidential administration is a master class in unwise, unbiblical leadership. What does it say about the mainlines that so many of our members voted for and continue to support the most foolish man to ascend to the US presidency.