Transforming Church

Reactive/Responsive Orientation. I first discovered this phenomenon a few years ago as we tried to create a learning organization in our business. As we attempted to move from top down decision-making to empowered teams in the workplace, we reorganized our compensation to provide monthly, quarterly and annual bonuses for achieving the local goals of the teams. We also set up systems to allow the people to redesign work processes to let those closest to the work have a stake in improving work flows. For a number of our people, we could not see any motivation coming from the compensation plans. Nor could we see much energy from these people to bring forth ideas for improvement. Upon exploring this issue, we found that a significant number of our people did not believe anything they did could change the outcome. Therefore, having bonuses tied to achieving team goals was not motivating, because they did not see how their actions could cause us to achieve the desired goals.

As I further studied this issue, I heard this orientation described as living in the Reactive/Responsive mode. My Organizational Development and Change professor called these people lunchbox employees. They just want to come to work, punch in and have someone tell them what to do, put in their eight hours and go home. They do not want to assume the risk of making decisions, and do not cherish the concept of empowerment. They did not thrive in the new organization.

Further reflection on this orientation encouraged me to study why people conclude they have no power to chart their future. Through my study, I discovered the work of Robert Fritz, who has spent 25 years studying the structures in our lives and organizations.

Creative Orientation. Robert poses an alternative to the Reactive/Responsive orientation. The alternative is to live your life in the Creative mode, taking responsibility for your choices, and navigating through the many crossroads of life by making intentional choices. Robert Fritz describes these alternatives in his book, Your Life as Art. Robert advocates a practice that Peter Senge describes as one of the disciplines of the learning organization, Personal Mastery.

Personal mastery is a practice of constantly clarifying what matters most to you in the form of a personal vision, and then seeking a clear understanding of your current reality vis-à-vis your vision. Once you establish a clear vision, and clearly understand reality, you will create a tension in your life that is only resolved by moving towards your vision. This practice will help you organize your actions for the purpose of achieving your vision. To experience a glimpse of this practice, close your eyes and envision living as a disciple of Jesus, exemplifying the life he models in scripture. Then, shift to a look at your current life, your work, your family, your busyness. See the contrast, feel the tension generated by that contrast. We call this tension Structural Tension, and it is a tool that can change your life. Senge credits Fritz with the development of this discipline.

One of the core purposes of the church is to equip us to live out the purpose God intends rooted in the gifts He has given each of us. Fundamental to this effort is helping people see that living in the Reacting/Responding mode, where we have no power to change our lives, is a poor choice. How can we redirect our lives to fulfill the purpose God intends if we live in the Reactive/Responsive mode? If we can equip people to live life in the Creative mode, then we can unleash them to live life to the fullest. So, as we encourage people into a deeper spiritual journey, a journey of intentional discipleship, as we encourage them to discover their spiritual gifts, and God’s purpose, let us also give them the tools to live this life.

What transformed the disciples from a timid, fearful band of men to the Apostles who changed the world? The Holy Spirit, promised to all believers, empowers us today as in the 1st century. We can’t be victims of circumstances if we believe God has a purpose for our lives. Even the circumstances we encounter have a purpose in God. Many times, that purpose is worked out in trials and suffering, the very circumstances we bemoan. To fulfill our purpose, God has provided spiritual gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve what we never could alone. His strength will get us through anything we must endure.

So, I encourage those who study the emerging church model to consider adding another element to the mix. The transformational journey begins with a commitment to a deeper spiritual walk with Jesus. As we go deeper, we seek to discern our gifts, since our calling and purpose are rooted in the gifts God has granted us. The church’s role is to support our deeper spiritual journey, and equip us to find and fully utilize our spiritual gifts. Teaching people how to live in the Creative orientation is a tool that can equip believers to change course and live out their purpose and calling.

The practice of Personal Mastery has changed the course of my life and my work. I returned to school to pursue and Executive MBA, sold my business interests, and moved into a time of reflection, meditation and prayer to find God's direction. What has unfolded is a result of creating structural tension and working to achieve what matters most in my life. My decompression from the 60-hour weeks that consumed the last 15 years of my career allowed me to quiet myself and listen to God. The still, small voice has guided me to align my desires with God's plan. The Creative orientation has provided a structure to assist in creating the things God is calling forth in my life.

Learn the Creative Process. Al Sagar and I used the creative process to form the Academy. We formed the virtual team to develop TRANSFORMINGCHURCH.COM using the same principles. We utilize two courses developed by Robert Fritz to teach these principles. I have been certified to do Structural Consulting with organizations using these principles. Creating What Matters is an exploration of Robert Fritz’s creative model in a visioning workshop for pastors and lay leaders. The Academy offers Creating What Matters several times a year. See the Event Calendar for details.

Creating Your Life is a course that meets weekly for five weeks. This course teaches individuals how to live in the Creative orientation and to find the path of least resistance to their goals. The principles of Personal Mastery are taught in an experiential manner. Fritz offers Instructor Training at least once a year for this course. As one certified in this process, I offer this course each summer near Boulder Colorado, and each fall in Atlanta. See Event Calendar for details.