Brian Sanders, author of 'Microchurches', joins the discussion on the critical phase of iteration in microchurch development. He highlights the significance of embracing a mission-driven identity, where both successes and failures contribute to community growth. The conversation dives into the spiritual battle missionaries face, encouraging bravery in non-Christian spaces. Sanders also emphasizes a learning mindset, viewing failure as essential for personal growth, and the importance of feedback in assessing ministry impact. It's a rich exploration of resilience and community in faith.
The iteration phase in microchurches emphasizes the importance of stepping out to engage with non-believers, fostering spiritual growth through potential conflict.
Viewing failures as learning opportunities cultivates resilience within microchurch leaders, encouraging ongoing reflection and adaptation in their unique contexts.
Deep dives
The Importance of Crossing the Threshold
The transition from ideation to iteration within microchurches emphasizes the significance of mission as a vital threshold. Gathering a team to brainstorm ideas is necessary, but ultimately, engaging with the wider community becomes crucial. This phase is challenging, as it requires stepping out of familiar Christian environments to connect with non-believers, which can evoke fears and insecurities. However, this act of entering potential spiritual conflict is also an opportunity to participate in a larger cosmic battle against darkness and can lead to profound spiritual growth.
Redefining Failure and Success
The concept of failure in the context of microchurches is reframed to focus on learning and growth rather than merely achieving desired outcomes. Even outreach efforts that might be perceived as unsuccessful can contribute to developing identity and community within a microchurch. Engaging in mission, regardless of the immediate results, becomes a meaningful journey in which the group embodies their calling. This perspective helps to cultivate resilience, urging teams to celebrate efforts and progress rather than fixating solely on the end results.
The Role of Learning in Iteration
Learning through trial and error emerges as a crucial skill for leaders in microchurches, allowing them to adapt as they navigate their unique contexts. With knowledge widely accessible today, the ability to learn and evolve becomes more significant than specific skill sets. Leaders are encouraged to embrace failures as opportunities for reflection and personal growth, fostering a mindset that prioritizes ongoing self-assessment and community input. This dynamic feedback loop is essential in honing approaches to ministry while recognizing the individuality of each microchurch experience.
Navigating Emotional Turbulence in Leadership
Leaders in microchurches often face emotional turbulence as they persevere through the challenges of the iteration phase. The journey involves grappling with frustrations, setbacks, and the feeling of underachievement while also recognizing the spiritual connection and excitement that arises from stepping out in faith. Building a supportive community and maintaining a positive outlook is necessary for overcoming these emotional challenges. Ultimately, the richness of the experience, including moments of electrifying engagement and connection with others, can serve as motivation to continue striving towards their mission.
In this second episode of this conversation around microchurch phases, we sit down with Brian Sanders once again to discuss the phase of iteration. Some of the most important lessons that are learned in the journey of a microchurch happen in the process of trying things, adjusting, and continuing in some form of mission even when you fail.