While each journey has its own path, the terrain we travel is common to everyone.
We would like to help you discern what your path is and then wrap our team around you to coach you in creating that vision. Think of us as your sherpa on this wilderness journey … or as a shepherd colleague who can recognize some of the dangerous terrain or show you where the beautiful overlooks are for the stunning vistas.
The 21st century landscape has certainly changed for churches, faith communities and judicatories (Presbyteries, Districts, Diocese, Precincts, etc.) in the last two decades. Aside from architectural and structural changes in our communities where some buildings are bulldozed to make green spaces or build parking ramps, we are all experiencing a deep shift in the culture from what it was fifty years ago.
Do a web search for “Church changes in America” and you will find a dozen articles, studies and surveys all attesting to the changing nature of “church,” the “nones” (those who check “none of the above” when asked about religious preferences), time management conflicts for families (especially on Sunday mornings), and those who are “spiritual but not religious.”
As a little background … from 1990-2020, major mainline Protestant denominations declined in membership:
Church membership decreased while the population of the country continued to increase.
And then there was the pandemic which affected church attendance.
Today, many churches boast an online “viewership” that extends beyond their local community. Many small churches have become global communities of faith, leaving each to ask: WHO ARE WE? and WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME?
First & Second Order Change
To understand that, we need to look at: FIRST & SECOND ORDER CHANGE, something that our Firebird Spirit Team keeps at the front of their mind in helping groups to transform.
… is where the structure of something (including its organizational world view) stays the same, but programmatic or cosmetic changes take place. (Think of an ocean liner that redesigns the staterooms and maybe adds a new theater or pool to attract more travelers. The purpose of the ocean liner remains constant but there are some superficial changes.)
This is what churches are most comfortable doing.
We have all tried these: new programming, changing worship times or styles, painting the church and putting up welcome banners along the walkway outside. “If only we had a young minister with children, then we would attract other young families and we would be saved.” And for the most part,
First Order Changes are not enough to offset the challenges of our 21st century world.
… is often described as “transformational” or, as we at Firebird have come to think of it – “evolutionary.” It means seeing the world in a DIFFERENT WAY, challenging ASSUMPTIONS, and working from a new and different WORLD VIEW. (Think of an oil tanker that decided to become an ocean liner. The outside hull might be the same, but everything about it – including its purpose – is different.)
Inevitably Second Order Change involves new ways of doing things, new values and goals, and often a new organizational structure to accommodate “the new reality” as well.
This kind of deep change can be quite scary and disorienting to some people. There is almost always a sense of grief over (as “the dying of what was” even as there might be excitement over “the birth of what will be.”
Firebird’s Role
Members of the Firebird Team have been working with churches doing both First and Second Order Change for decades in one way or another – well before coming to the Firebird Movement. We know how to guide you through those parts of the journey while continuing to build the skills and vision needed in the new life.
Everything the Firebird Team does is tailored to the needs of your individual group.
Some of the broad areas available for our work together include:
• Technology Consultation (assessment, installation and training – How to make the most out of what
you have and who you have to do it?)
• Mission Clarification and Action Step Planning
• Administrative Leadership Development (for both lay leaders and clergy)
• Organizational Redesign and Reporting
• Grant-writing (how to do it and to whom)
• Resource Development
Our consultants are all experienced with real life churches,
and our coaches are all ICF certified.
Your initial investment is only $100 to hear what kinds of practical and viable options our Team can suggest. If nothing is forthcoming, there is no fee.
Beyond the initial consultation, we employ the Economy of Grace model described on the Rates & Pricing page.
Scholarships are available and we will not turn anyone away for their inability to pay.
So really … what do you have to lose?
To access some of our general resources for churches, CLICK HERE.
Use the tab on the above menu to reach out and speak with us directly.