How many light bulbs does it take to change the Church?

You’ll have heard the one that asks, “How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?” “Change! Change! Really, is there something wrong with the old one!” What if we flip it and ask, “How many light bulbs does it take to change the church?” Light bulbs are a metaphor for ideas… and I’ve heard countless ideas over the years, I’ve had countless ideas, and shared them… only…

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Change 4,5,6

time for change sign with led light

You can only change 3 things: structures, policies and mindsets… but you have to change them all… and mindset will always be the hardest! To effect those changes, you need to do three things… I call them steps 4, 5, 6 in honour and recognition of the change that has already happened! Change is all around and change is hard… particularly within the Church context, where despite a core belief…

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Before clicking SEND, think TRACKS!

Earlier today I sent an email to over 30 colleagues and had omitted to attach the attachments! Then came the flurry of phone calls and emails… “I think you forgot the attachments!” Some email apps do clever things and remind you if you have used the word “attached” but not attached any files. I’m usually quite careful and take a moment to check emails, posts, messages and tweets before zapping…

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Co-create! Get everyone on board!

“We need a sense of ownership.” How often do we hear that – or say that. BUT, We tend to own things that other people create! Authorship is better – get everyone involved – all the stakeholders in from the beginning – have everyone involved in co-creating the project, plan whatever. And when we set up an event, have it all planned and then invite neighbouring congregations and denominations don’t…

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Gnim rots niarb

It’s a silent G – pronounced ‘nim rots ny-arb’ No it’s not Gaelic! It’s Brainstorming reversed! Instead of brainstorming around what you want to achieve… consider what you would do to ensure failure! It really works well – people will talk much more freely because it’s fun and light hearted… it’s actually really creative and generative. eg: how to ensure poor engagement with Christmas services. Don’t advertise, tell everyone the…

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