As leaders, whenever we roll up our sleeves to tackle a task we almost always begin by trying to fix what is broken. That seems to be the most obvious starting point, and the most demanding. This first secret of progressive leadership is an invitation to try another approach. Oh, the challenges will need to be addressed, but, perhaps, there is a better place to start. This really is a matter of whether we see the glass as half empty or half full.
Asset Mapping is a methodology often used in community development. It is a process that seeks to uncover and utilize the strengths within communities as a means for sustainable development. The basic tenet is that a capacities-focused approach is more likely to empower the community and, therefore, mobilize citizens to create positive and meaningful change from within. In a church setting, we might call this approach faith-based.
It should come as no surprise to us as Christians that this is an effective approach. Every time this subject comes up I hear the voice of God asking, “Moses, what do you have in your hand?” or Jesus asking, “How many loaves and fishes do you have?” It seems a divine pattern to begin with what we have rather than what we lack.
One example I always offer when I teach this process is the idea that, while we always want more people to come to our churches, perhaps the most effective place to start is with those already coming. According to an informal survey, I recently took, the average small- to medium- sized church has 3-5 first time visitors each week. My suggestion would be that, rather than focusing simply on getting more people to visit, we use as our starting point those who already do.
What if even half of those people returned to join your faith community? Those are assets you already have, and that may be the best place to start if the goal is to help your church to grow.
Luther Snow has introduced a process that uses asset mapping for local churches. It is a good exercise for leaders and a good place to start with a church that is working on renewal. Another approach that perhaps is more widely used is called Appreciative Inquiry. Clergy Leadership Institute has extensive resources for using this approach. It is relatively easy to find consultants or coaches in your community who can lead your group using this methodology.
The secret is to begin where you are with what you have. Five loaves and two fish may seem like very little in the face of such great need. As people of faith, though, we must trust that what we have in the hands of God will be enough.
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