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more on the group’s will and hopes than on leader charisma. It addresses issues without being trapped in neediness.
This way of thinking and acting motivates and encourages over the long haul. Members remain unfail- ingly honest, both emotionally and intellectually, about how they and their congregation actually function. Plenty of surefire programs have come and gone over the life of the church. This approach is different. It’s not a flash in the pan headed for the ecclesiastical dumpster, and it’s going to be around a long time. Several factors support that view. CBO discourages ego- or personality- driven ministries. It gathers together and makes sense out of most other effective ways of thinking, like
mentoring, asset-based planning or prayer-centered programs. It avoids the lock-step, heavy-handed insis- tence of programs that can weigh you down or wear you out.
Churches can apply CBO to outreach—such as social justice or mercy ministries—but it works well in other endeavors too. New leaders emerge in surprising ways. Congregations that are part of
organizing efforts become politically powerful without being partisan. (At its root, “political” has to do with the things people want to accomplish together.) Without the false promise of quick results, CBO encourages patience, humility and gratitude. And because it works well with any group of people, this approach breathes new life into tired leaders.
Faith Lutheran Church, Lexington, Ky.
After years of social ministry activities, members sensed that there were deeper matters they still weren’t addressing. Congregation- based organizing opened their eyes to the need to work together to pur- sue justice in their community.
Faith Lutheran Church exercises community activism through BUILD, an interfaith, interracial, grass-roots organization work- ing for change in Lexington, Ky. Issues are addressed through education, training, research and action. It literally builds houses, and participants know why they build. BUILD team leaders Don and Gail Swanson report: “Like much of the church’s life, organizing depends on meetings. But now we know how to run meetings that get something done.”
Average worship attendance: 200. Years in organizing work: 11.
Words that previously described this congregation: Active in com- munity, never stagnant, well- educated, aware, becoming gray, good at mercy or charity.
Words that describe this congre- gation now: Continuing as before, but more assuredly; younger; taking gigantic leaps; effective; oriented toward justice; expansive vision.
What’s visible? We’ve moved 22 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org The outcomes of these organizing
efforts last over time because lead- ers are strengthened, small successes are strung together, a positive feel- ing about the congregation grows and spreads, and people learn skills that apply anywhere in life. Energy returns to those who thought their church was dead or dying.
Use “Next steps” (page 21) to help you examine passions and wishes for your congregation. Pick an action that can be done without calling a meeting or asking permission. And when you’ve taken that step, think about what that action compels you to do next.
Whatever you do, keep acting on your hopes for your congregation. The Spirit is at work, ready to put you to work and offering hope.
beyond mercy ministries to address root causes. We’ve become good at publicly speaking truth to power. We don’t let partisan thinking detract us from working together.
Important outcomes that may be invisible: The enjoyment of learn- ing from 21 other congregations in BUILD, the church-based organiz- ing group in our community. Some previously uninvolved members are energized by this work. We’re not afraid of power.
Surprises along the way: Some folks still want us to be nice, our capability to work well with diverse partners, learning how better ques- tions get us to just answers.
Where congregation-based orga- nizing could lead: Members taking synod-wide organizing leadership roles, combating payday lending abuses in our state.
Joe and Gail Swanson, BUILD team members at Faith
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