The definition of "Missional Success"

The intent for the Synod to assist congregations toward "Missional Success" may lean more toward guiding congregations to be intentional in their missions rather than defining what, in particular, is a success. While most congregations have several programs and services offered to the members and community, perhaps there really is only enough energy and funding to support one or two. The Synod can help congregations work through a discerning process to define what and how they should continue or perhaps re-define their ministry path. Sometimes it takes a "counselor" asking questions for us to be introspective and come to conclusions that were available all along.

If we count "Missional Success" in numbers we'll all be sorely disappointed! One person shows up for an event that you planned for fifty. Is that failure? If that one person left with the seed of belief planted if they didn't know Christ, a full stomach if they were hungry, a relationship strengthened or new friendship built there is success.

Thanks for these thoughts, Eric. My trouble begins with the word "success." Can theologians of the cross really have success as a goal? I recall a discussion in seminary about this too. We were trying to come up with ways to talk about ministry that is...well...what? Real? Effective? Working? Connective? All the while worshipping a God who has a knac for hanging out with "failures." 

More recently, this topic came up for me in another way with community organizers. I attended the very exciting training for ELCA leaders in community organizing for mission in Portland. They talked about one value in organizing that guides the selection of important issues to work on: win-ability. My theological ears perked. Win-ability? What about the cross? Being fools for a foolish, profligate God who risks all on a broken humanity?

Well, my organizer friends clarified the term as a way of making sure folks who committed to work on projects together were not wasting their time. They also affirmed actions that are not designed to "win" anything, but still make a faithful witness. Anyway, all that is to say, we're not alone in this struggle to define efficacy while embracing fully the theology of the cross. I like the thought of being careful about our time, making sure that together we are not being poor stewards of time and energy and funds. Discipleship is a sober folly, perhaps?

Evaluation and reflection are good and necessary, I believe. Certainly the bean (and butt) counting of old no longer means much. Storytelling comes to mind. I love going back over the year in my (albiet ludite) pastor's calendar. I have all sorts of moments in which I remember very meaningful conversations and events I had forgotten about. What if we were invited, in reporting, to "chart the year" in stories?

To that end, I must also say I disagree with the perspective taken by the Mission Interpreter's training, that storytelling is an art that requires work. I believe we all tell stories and we all should.