Adaptive Stewardship

Living Macedonia in a changing context

The Status Quo is enough, minor changes are all that are needed

The system is complex, but current know-how is enough

Current authority can make the necessary changes for vitality

Current structures and procedures are effective.

The gap between vision of the world and reality is large0

The old ways don’t work, new learning is needed to be effective0

New stakeholders are required for continuing vitality

New structures and procedures are needed to remain relevant0

Technical View Adaptive Challenge

Technical vs. Adaptive

The Status Quo is enough, minor changes are all that are needed

The system is complex, but current know-how is enough

Current authority can make the necessary changes for vitality

Current structures and procedures are effective.

Priests prescribe and peasants do

Sin is confessed, penance is given and forgiveness is granted.

Papal bulls, excommunication, Church councils, Kings blessed, etc.

Strictly hierarchical and top-down, relying on codified knowledge.

Technical View Examples

Example: The Reformation

The gap between vision of the world and reality is large

The old ways don’t work, new learning is needed to be effective

New stakeholders are required for continuing vitality

New structures and procedures are needed to remain relevant

The gap between the desires of the Pope and the needs of the people.

Increasing literacy and education, German biblical translations, Righteousness of God, Emphasizing grace rather than merit.

German princes and growing middle class.

Bottom-up structure, more democratic, household involvement

Adaptive Challenge Examples

Example: The Reformation

Addressing Adaptive Challenges

Observe (WHAT?)

Interpret (SO WHAT?)

Intervene (NOW WHAT?)

Adaptive Stewardship Challenges

1. Generational Gap

2. Nonprofit Gap

3. Technology Gap

Generational Gap Observations

• Less than 15% of Millennials are churched. • In most of our pews, the folks are aging fast.• Most denomination strategies for evangelism

and church growth have been unsuccessful.• Churches are financially surviving on

“retirement” income. • 40% of congregations are predicted to close by

2020.

Generational Gap Interpretations

• Many pastors and leaders are not trained to talk about mission and money to a new generation.

• Christians have lost credibility with many young people for not addressing the concerns that they are passionate about.

• Current stewardship procedures are not designed around the relational culture of the next generation of givers.

Generational Gap Interventions

Questions, Comments, Concerns?