Bridging Secular Wisdom and the Christian Mission: A Dialogue on Growth, Change, and Spiritual Transformation - with Archie Poulos
Jan 30, 2024
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Explore how 'The Infinite Game' concept can be applied to ministry, embracing long-term thinking for success. Learn about overcoming resistance to change in congregations. Discover lessons for Christian mission from 'After the Ball' book on LGBTI societal acceptance. Dive into the urgency of growth and change in church leadership.
Applying 'The Infinite Game' concept to ministry emphasizes long-term success and continuous engagement in the Christian mission.
Addressing resistance and inertia in change management can help overcome emotional hurdles and drive transformation in organizations and ministries.
Deep dives
Andrew Herd's Book - Urgency of Mission Mindedness
Archie Palos discusses Andrew Herd's upcoming book, highlighting the urgency and necessity of being mission-minded. The book emphasizes the importance of enacting change rather than just curiosity, challenging individuals to bridge the gap between conviction and action.
Simon Sinek's 'The Infinite Game' - Long-term Thinking
Archie delves into Simon Sinek's 'The Infinite Game,' which contrasts finite and infinite thinking. The book underscores the importance of long-term thinking and continuous engagement, drawing parallels between the concept and the church's ongoing mission towards transforming society.
Human Element by Lauren Nordgrim and David Tronville - Overcoming Resistance
Archie explores 'Human Element' by Nordgrim and Tronville, focusing on resistance and inertia in bringing about change. The book emphasizes addressing emotional and effort-related challenges while navigating individual reactions, providing insights on overcoming inertia and drive for change in organization and ministry settings.
What can we learn from recent secular literature about the practice of Christian pastoral leadership?
Head of Ministry at Sydney’s Moore Theological College Archie Poulos looks at how the 'The Infinite Game' concept, popularized by Simon Sinek, can be applied to ministry.
Sinek explores the consequences of short and long term thinking in business and life. Long term success is more likely when an infinite perspective is taken.
Then we examine Loran Nordgren and David Schonthal’s book ‘The Human Element: Overcoming the resistance that awaits new ideas.'
Archie considers the emotional and psychological hurdles (inertia, effort, emotion, and reactance) that congregations face when change is suggested.
We look back to ‘After the Ball’ by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen, a 1989 secular play book for effecting LGBTI societal acceptance. Archie suggests there are lessons from aspects of that strategy for Christian mission.
Plus Archie talks about what impressed him about Andrew Heard’s soon to be released book ‘Growth and Change - The danger and necessity of a passion for church growth.
Purchase/download links to the books discussed this week:
Growth and Change - by Andrew Heard - The danger and necessity of a passion for church growth
The Infinite Game - by Simon Sinek - exploring the consequences of short and long term thinking in business and life