Jim and Julienne were both being considered for consulting with Delmar Community Church (DCC). DCC was a church struggling to reach the community immediately around the church property. It’s not that there was a lack of people to reach. After all there were 450 homes in the three subdivisions surrounding the church. Jim and Julienne were both interviewed and given the information church members thought was pertinent. They each were to come back and present to church leaders their proposal for working with the church in one week. The basic question each was asked was, “How can you help us to reach our community?”
The following Monday evening, Jim was first to present his proposal. Jim arrived fifteen minutes early, set up his computer and projector and began at 5:30 sharp. Very confident in his proposal, Jim’s PowerPoint presentation included charts and graphs of the churches declining attendance for the past ten years, demographics of the community around the church, and various other photos and statements. It was obvious Jim had done his homework and put time and research into his proposal. Jim’s final statement was, “It is apparent that the community does not know who you are or that you want to get to know them. We will come along side you and help you to develop mailers, postcards, doorhangers and other items to help you get the word out about the church. We will assist you in promoting the events you are already doing to draw more people in. This is how we can help you reach your community.”
The group thanked Jim and carried on minor conversations while he packed to leave. Fifteen minutes later, Julienne arrived. She came in carrying a leather-bound notebook. No computer, no projector, no posters or other visual aids. The one other item she seemed to be carrying was nerves. She seemed a little timid or apprehensive. Like the first one, the pastor opened this meeting with prayer and asked Julienne the basic question she had been asked to research. “Julienne, we’re eager to hear “How can you help us to reach our community?”
Julienne, sat up straight in her chair, leaned into the table and stated, “I thought about that question for probably a day and a half before I came to a conclusion.” She had everyone’s undivided attention. They were awaiting a big announcement. And she gave them one, but of a totally different aspect than they were expecting. “My conclusion is that that is the wrong question to be asking. And if I were to answer it, I would not be helping you with what you desire.”
With perplexed looks of surprise and puzzlement on the faces of her audience, Julienne continued. “If I came in here and gave you a list of things to do, or that I could do for you, then that plan would be mine, not yours. Let me ask you, would a better question be, ‘What has God given you? What has He placed right here in your congregation to use to reach your community?’ What ever that is, it is not mine. You are not borrowing from me. You already own it. It is in your possession. What I am willing to offer you is assistance in discovering and developing those skills and resources to reach your community.”
Now, a few nods appear around the table and looks of satisfaction and agreement replace the surprise and puzzled looks from moments ago. Julienne spent the next 20 minutes leading the group in discussing what this partnership could look like. (Julie was asking most of the questions, leading the members to discover the path needed.)
Julienne got the consulting job with the Delmar Community Church. Why? Jim was thorough and made a very good presentation. However, Jim used lineal thinking. Julienne, on the other hand, used lateral thinking. Lineal thinking stays on the path we know, the familiar, well-worn path. While Jim had a good plan, it did not carry a wow factor. It did not create any discovery learning for the church leaders. Lateral thinking is willing to get off the known path into the weeds and thicket to find the jewels that can only be found off the beaten path.
Most people are lineal thinkers. It takes practice to become a lateral thinker. A good lateral thinking coach can help you and your organization become better, more effective than you’ve ever dreamed. For more information on becoming a lateral thinker or moving your church or organization to better effectiveness contact George Yates and pick up your copy of Turnaround Journey.