Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Darren Niesley — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:11:25 GMT

Bryan, I think you were referring to Willow's vision, rather than the points of Bill's Session 1 talk. I don't remember it word for word from the session, but this is what Bill presented to the Willow congregation earlier this year: 1) Raise the level of risk associated with reaching people far from God. 2) Rethink the coaching we give Christ followers in the development of their own spiritual growth. 3) Unleash unprecedented levels of compassion. Of these 3, the second one is not quite as self-explanatory as the first and third. This might be over simplifying it, but it is about teaching Christians to develop their personal worship and study abilities so that they can feed themselves as they mature spiritually. I am excited about this three-part vision. Hope this helps you.

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Joe Redmond III — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 02:43:34 GMT

Bryan asked for the 3 points in Bill's opening session. I took extensive notes. Here's what I got: 1) VISION FORMATION Bill shared 2 examples, either the Mount Sinai approach or the Team Approach. While the Team approach is slow and challenging because it is a process, their is a higher likelihood of ownership or buy-in. 2) VISION REFINEMENT As the vision is processed, it's like brainstorming to the first draft stage. Then as it takes shape, Bill suggested we take it to the various stakeholders or people groups. "It's like wet cement" at this stage. Questions to ask are: - What should be added or taken away? - What is unclear or vague? - How can I make it more powerful? 3) VISION DECLARATION During this stage, Bill "test flew" it with staff and key teammembers. He asked questions like: - What the introduction compelling? - Can you remember my 3 or 4 main points... where they powerful? - Does this vision raise the risk level and will it make us re-think how we coach and equip people? Hope that helped!

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Chris Meirose — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:41:49 GMT

I love what Bob has for insight into the need for the right people being brought into that vision process. The right people will help you with clarity by asking tough questions, and challenging you on muddy points. Doing this work up front saves an exponentially larger effort later, and greatly reduces the chance of failure. Kinda like what Jim Collins talks about, not only having the right people on the bus, but the right people in the right seats. Chris Meirose

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Bryan Guthire — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:43:19 GMT

Bill mentioned the PROCESS of creating a new vision for Willow but I can't seem to remember the three points of your new vision. Could you post those for me? I know it had to do with risk and compassion. I looked on the willowcreek.org website but couldn't find it anywhere. Thanks.

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Ryan Bowman — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:28:38 GMT

Thank you Bill for reminding us that "ownership" is vital in moving forward as a organization. If people are not engaged the goal, the direction, become a mandate and not a motivator. When we allow others to experience the need, see the vision, and contribute to the solution we see people excited and dedicated to the cause. More importantly, we see people grow toward their potential in life and in Christ.

re: Bob Merritt Responds to Session 1

Gary Winsor — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:08:58 GMT

I was greatly encouraged by Bill's opening presentation. Knowing that this is a team process is liberating and helps share the burden. From a church perspective, I believe it is very important. Churches frequently have pastoral changes every 5-15 years. This is the reality despite the fact the long term leadership is desirable. If the vision is not owned by the local leadership, vision will change with every new pastor. This will be very confusing to the membership. When the local leadership is a part of the vision process, a new pastor can be selected in keeping with the determined direction of the church.