visitors. I encouraged every member to be warm and friendly whenever people walked through our doors. After worship that Sunday I greeted the couple and welcomed them to the congregation. They smiled, shook my hand and thanked me.
Another person came up and greeted them. Then another. And another, and another and another. Soon the two were surrounded by a mob of well-meaning Christians wanting to be friendly.
The couple never came back. And
I can’t blame them. We killed them with kindness.
Gary Hamel, author of What Matters Now (Jossey-Bass, 2012), encourages organizations caught in the pursuit of relentless change and unstoppable innovation to focus on what really matters: values, innova- tion, adaptability, passion and ideas. Hamel wants groups to embrace a design mind-set where everyone (not just the group’s visionaries and leaders) is in the business of discov- ering innovative ideas. Those inno- vative ideas keep the organization moving forward. While Hamel’s main audience is business leaders, I can’t help think- ing of the applications to the church. While we don’t need to change our core values and beliefs, we as a church do need to seek innovative ways to improve our life together. That’s not just the pastor’s job. It’s the job of the entire body of Christ. Hamel suggests posting two questions on your organization’s “idea wiki.” (I have changed his use of “customers” to “visitors.”) While most congregations don’t have an “idea wiki” (an online place where anyone can post ideas), there are break rooms, Sunday bulletins, print or electronic newsletters, bulletin boards and more where these two questions could be posted:
1. What are some thoughtless ways in which we irritate visitors? What can we do to change these?
2. What are the small, unexpected delights we offer our visitors at no addi- tional cost?
I wish I’d had these two questions
at that small congregation to debrief our experience with the young
Expect
You have certain expectations for a retirement community. Start with luxurious, resort-style accommodations and amenities. Add a stunningly beautiful location. T en package it with the security and peace of mind that only a Continuing Care Retirement
couple we overwhelmed, albeit in a well-meaning way. And I commend them to you and your congregation. Try posing these two questions to your congregation’s leadership team, the staff, members and the most recent visitors to your church. May the answers lead to innovative ideas that help you become an even more hospitable congregation to newcomers.
More.
Community can off er. Sound like a lot to expect? Not really. T is is T e Arlington. Expect more.
Call or stop by today and learn how T e Arlington is committed to exceeding your expectations every day.
(239) 206-2646 • (866) 986-9690
www.ArlingtonNaples.org
The Arlington Information Center and Model
12276 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 501 • Naples, FL 34113 Mon., Fri. 8:30-5 | Tues.-Thurs. 8:30-7
Sat. 9-4 | Sun. 12-4 | Or by appointment The Arlington of Naples welcomes people of all faiths, beliefs and traditions.
A Lutheran Life Community — Serving seniors and their families for more than a century. Lutheran Life Communities: Empowering vibrant, grace-fi lled living across all generations.
December 2013 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52