The US Government, Google Reader, & Church

The first time I saw the “news,” it was in a joking tweet. Soon, I figured out it really was true: Google is shutting down their well-known (and quite heavily used) Google Reader service.

At first, I was upset. Then, I started to see why Google made this decision. While I didn’t understand every word of their statement (I’m not a business expert), I got the point. They wanted to focus more resources in fewer areas to do those things well.

We have all just shaken our heads when we saw government organizational flow charts. Sometimes, a Congressman will use one to show the inordinate amount of “red tape” and constant overlapping of programs, leadership, and other things. And, if we are honest, we usually have to admit that the government does a whole lot of things, but how many does it do with excellence and efficiency?

So, I’m applauding Google. Instead of spreading themselves too thin and doing lots of things somewhat well, they decided to do a few things with excellence and efficiency.

What about our congregations? Is there anything we can learn from this?

While the Church is not a business, there are certain practices that good businesses do that more congregations would be wise to consider. Google modeled one of them in this decision. It is the practice of evaluation and elimination.

Church organization is difficult, but see if this doesn’t sound familiar. Many congregations have a history of starting a ministry or program, and then defaulting to putting that ministry/program in the budget every year, simply because it exists. Over the years, the ministry may have basically stopped, or it may be completely ineffective, but it still gets left on the list of ministries and still has part of the budget.

I would suggest strongly that this is not wise for one simple reason: it is not stewarding God’s blessings well.

Instead, let me offer the following suggestions to help congregations have more efficiency.

1. Purpose from the Start. Before beginning a ministry or program, require that a purpose or vision statement be drafted. It needs to be as specific as possible. Is this vision consistent with Scripture? Is it consistent with what the congregation is striving to accomplish right now? Is it consistent with future plans?

2. Have Reviews Often. I would not say more than once a year, but elders might want to review ministries every 12-24 months. The reason is to make sure the ministry is (1) living up to its mission statement, and (2) continuing to be effective. These do not need to be harsh, but if there is vision from the start, there will not be harshness.

3. Review the “Flow Chart.” How many congregations could eliminate half or more of their committees, work groups, and programs…and still be doing the same work? As one example, at Lebanon Road we recently stopped having a “deacon group” that advised Vacation Bible School. The reason was that we already had a planning committee in place. We were literally “doubling up.” By doing this, we freed those deacons up to serve in other areas.

4. Do a Few Things With Excellence. No congregation can do everything perfectly. No matter how large you might be, you cannot do everything. And, when you try to do everything, you usually end up doing each one of them ineffectively, because you are straining yourself too thin. Instead, select a  handful of areas or ministries and put as much behind them as you can. Maybe your congregation selects mission work or the Bible school program. Maybe you select counseling or seniors ministries. Select a few (very few) and do them with excellence. People notice excellence.

5. Eliminate…with Grace. If a ministry or program is not doing well, it needs to be eliminated, but that is so hard. People are working hard, and we don’t want to hurt their feelings. Show the person/people why this is being done, but also show them where they can continue to use their talents to the glory of God. It does not need to be “you’re done.” It needs to be, “We can all be more effective if…”

This is not an overnight process, and very few congregations will ever do it, but I feel it would make a world of difference if we would stop trying to do everything all at once. Instead, streamline and do a few things with excellence. We might just be amazed at the results.

…after all, which is in better financial shape, the US Government or Google?

Just a thought.

QUESTION: Are the other considerations to helping our congregations be more efficient?

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Photo credit: Marc Smith on Creative Commons

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