In part one of this series we observed that in life’s journey as individuals and as a church or other organization, along all journeys we are confronted with crossroads. At every crossroad there are directional options – choices to be made. In this post we will look at two of those options.

(North) Straight – Will the path we currently are on lead us to where we want to go? We are driving north as we approach this intersection, this crossroad. So our first option is to continue on the same path traveling north. Should we go straight through this crossroad? To answer this question we must first ask ourselves another question. Will the path we currently are on lead us to where we want to go?

As an organization we have been traveling this direction up to this point.
1. Is this bringing the desired results of our organization?
2. Are we closer to reaching our objective?
If your organization has seen positive results and you have seen viable encouraging outcomes, then you may want to continue on this path. However, the fact that you are reading this material means 1) you are not completely satisfied with the path you are on, or 2) you are at least willing to look at the alternatives.

If, like many churches, you are not totally satisfied with the progress your organization is making the good news is at every crossroad there are options. Let’s look at three other directional options. One more in this entry and two in the next blog post.

(West) Left – Do we have what it takes to be pioneers? Turning left leads to new horizons. Are we pioneers heading off into the sunset? When you are facing north, west is always to your left. The sun sets in the west and man has for centuries moved west for exploration and the adventure of what lay over the next horizon. Whether it was setting out to prove the world was round, or traveling west to prove there was something worth seeing beyond Kaintuck (Kentucky), pioneers have always accepted the challenge of forging ahead and establishing new territory. The question we must ask is, Do we have what it takes to be pioneers?

With every pioneer effort there are new challenges, some life-threatening. Therefore we as leaders must ask, “Are the people of our organization up to the possible challenges of this westward venture?” Once again to answer this question we must first ask three other questions.

1. If this is the right direction for our organization, what is the absolute best outcome we can expect?
2. If this turns out to be the wrong direction for our organization, what is the absolute worst scenario that this directional change could lead to?
3. Can our organization continue to exist if number two turns out to be our scenario, and are we as leaders ready to live with that outcome?

Taking a long soulful look at these three questions can assist any organization in directional moves at any and every crossroad. With the westward directional change, you are accepting the call of Lewis and Clark, of Christopher Columbus, and Daniel Boone. Are you willing to be risk takers with the life of your organization at stake?

Be certain to read part three for two other directional options at all crossroads.