Thoughts from the DE - Kevin Kessler

Hit the Ground Running?

“Let’s jump right in to get things done!” is a statement often made when wanting to accomplish something new. Arguing against this philosophy of action is difficult. Action is required if we hope to reach our goals.

An idiom suggesting immediacy of action we frequently use is “hit the ground running.” A common meaning of this phrase is “to start working on something (activity, task, project) immediately and successfully.” I thought it would be interesting to put this idiom into a word picture. Imagine a marathon runner who is encouraged to run an unfamiliar route. The athlete is toned for the race and expected to be a contender for finishing first. Would this expert marathoner agree to run without studying the route or, so to speak, “hit the ground running” without first going over the course? I have my doubts. My knowledge of running a marathon is very limited. What understanding I do have is a result of conversation with a friend who participates in triathlons. Before participating in an event, he goes over the course gaining familiarity with it. Otherwise, obstacles on the course, such as potholes that need to be avoided, could hinder his successful completion of the race.

Would it not be wise to “chart the course” in all other matters of importance when encouraged to “hit the ground running?” Reading from Kenneth J. McFayden’s book Strategic Leadership for a Change: Facing our Losses, Finding our Future (Alban, 2009) pointed me in the direction of answering this question in the affirmative. McFayden writes: “Many congregations feel a sense of urgency to grow.” The motive for growth, though, is important to understand. Frequently, McFayden claims, a congregation’s motive for growth is primarily “to increase membership numbers.” This motive will hopefully contribute toward the ever-diminishing budget, help find Sunday school teachers, and provide a larger base of volunteers needed to fill leadership positions. But does a motive only to increase numbers really get at what is needed for an increase to really happen?

Let’s assume that a congregation has a strong desire to grow. They “hit the ground running” with the goal of increasing attendance by 20% over a 3-year period. Their success of attaining the goal may very likely be contingent upon how well they “chart the course.” In other words, what are the true motives to achieve growth? What does the course look like in order for growth to occur?

Taking the time to understand the course is an important factor in realizing hoped-for results. What motives would be more helpful? Desired growth, McFayden offers, more fully “emanates from a vision of serving as a faith community for potential members, or of sharing the good news of a living, sovereign, and graceful God who creates, redeems, and sustains.” More simply stated, motives for growth will focus more on what can be done for those we reach rather than what those we reach can do for us. McFayden simplifies it in these words: “...if our message were more focused on how you want to grow in faith and mission, through worship and education, I could get excited about joining your church. And if I joined, then (emphasis added) I would contribute money and might consider teaching Sunday school.”

Hit the road running? Sure, after studying the course and making sure good, attractive motives are leading us to the finish line!