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Church Politics vs. Genuine Strategy

Organizations find direction from either strategy or politics. Each is the enemy of the other.

A church with strategy ensures all programs and events work seamlessly together to move it toward a clear vision.

A church that lacks strategic direction leaves team members no choice but to set their own individual objectives. This mix of uncoordinated objectives exists within an organization with limited resources, creating a competitive market where political behavior is the only means of success.

So is your church staff operating by politics or strategy? These five differences will help you decide:

1. Politics produce inconsistent answers. Strategy answers questions before they are asked.

A church run by politics will regularly vary its course. Each decision is made in isolation, giving no consideration to those in the past or future.  Recognizing this inconsistency, team members see each of these decisions as an opportunity for persuasion and personal gain. Strategic teams, however, already know the answers to many questions before they arise. Each decision is seen as another opportunity to take a step along the path toward vision.

Are team members regularly left wondering what you will decide in a given situation?

2. Politics please the right people. Strategy guides people in the right direction.

Within politics, who you are and who you know are often more important than what you know. Team members are given influence based on history and networks. Strategy breaks through these relational webs and provides a clear path for everyone to follow, regardless of their network. With a focused direction, leaders make decisions for the sake of purpose, not pleasing.

Do you ever find yourself considering individual backgrounds and spheres of influence when making decisions?

3. Politics divide individuals. Strategy unites teams.

A culture of teamwork cannot be expected in an organization operating by political behavior. Individuals see competition as the only means of achieving personal objectives. Any shared resource including finances, calendar dates and promotions become regular topics of debate.  Strategy replaces personal objectives with a new set shared throughout the organization. Team members have a reason to work for the good of other departments beyond their own. The incentive for selfish behavior is removed as everyone recognizes their role in a greater purpose.

Are team members regularly competing for shared resources?

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rstigile@churchleaders.com'
Ryan is the Director of Strategic Resources for The Unstuck Group. Previously, as Director of Expansion at NewPointe Community Church (NE Ohio), Ryan led the launch and development of new multisite campuses. With Mount Paran Church (Atlanta, GA), he guided the leadership team through a strategic change initiative to simplify and align its ministries. Ryan has a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and degrees in business administration and discipleship ministry from Lee University.