Lasting Impressions

I recently got the chance to read an unfinished manuscript for Mark Waltz’s new book coming out December 8, Lasting Impressions (you can pre-order your own copy).

The book reads like a conversation with Mark. I love that. I felt like I was sitting in the room next to him with a cup of coffee while he transparently shared things he’s seen work and bomb in church efforts to connect people. Connections. It’s so loaded. It affects everything.

“At Granger there are people serving on our traffic teams who are still fighting overwhelming addictions. There are women in Bible studies who don’t know how to love their kids in a healthy manner. There are men in technical arts who aren’t convinced Jesus is who he claims to be. Every weekend people who are cheating on their spouse, their taxes or their sales reports return to a service to hear how much they matter to God. They are where they are. We must meet them there.”

There is no perfect answer or one plug and play solution for a church to address this reality. But there are great insights that apply to all of us, if we’re open to keep watching and learning. To pull, not push. To create space, not invade space.

“We can easily make our approach--our programs, services, classes and groups—more important than the people we want to help. When we do, people feel disrespected, insulted and parented. We are not responsible for people but to them. Being responsible TO our people is quite different. And incredibly freeing.

• When I’m responsible to people I understand they have a choice. When I’m responsible for people I think I should decide for them.
• When I’m responsible to people I know they must figure out their next step. When I’m responsible for people I try to tell them what their next step is.
• When I’m responsible to people I allow them to bear the brunt of the consequences for their own chosen actions. When I’m responsible for people I assume the guilt, or worse the shame, for them.
• When I’m responsible to people I engage in their journey, offering encouragement and teaching. When I’m responsible for people I try to direct their journey, never allowing them to wrestle, mess up or make a wrong turn.
• When I’m responsible to people I talk to God on their behalf. When I’m responsible for people I talk to people a lot on God’s behalf.”

This book covers everything from small groups, to weekend programming, to volunteer strategies, to web sites and more. I especially appreciated how each chapter ended with questions for my own personal reflection and action steps; for me as an individual and for my team. It moved the conversation to a vehicle I could use, not just read.

This is great stuff and I can’t wait for the book to come out. 

Comments

[Gregg Hicks]

Kem... I am sooo excited to go back an institute some changes I have learned through yesterday's workshop. I was so encouraged & inspired by the other churches and I am ready to head back!

Oh and I'm following you on twitter... I'm bcphotographers if you want to follow back.

[promise tangeman]

Kem. thank you so much for your words today. It was so very refreshing and needed. It was great to hear from someone who is passionate, driven, and encouraging about the communication side of ministry. thank you again.