The Smart Church, part 1

By Connie Goodbread, Acting Lifespan Consultant

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. -James A. Baldwin
Unitarian Universalism is so important. We have this wonderful piece of the puzzle. We have this amazing way of approaching faith and our human experience. Unitarian Universalism is a movement that could, at its best, working toward its highest values, help to save the world. And we, you and I, have the very great honor of being servant leaders in this amazing movement.

I have gotten a grant from the UUA and Dr. Peter Steinke's permission to write a Unitarian Universalist supplement to his Healthy Congregations. It will be called The Smart Church. (Many thanks to Rev. Kenn Hurto, who suggested the title) Unfortunately Healthy Congregations has become a term that everyone uses and no one understands. As a process it has also been difficult for Unitarian Universalists to apply because it is very Lutheran and quotes the Bible as the only religious source of wisdom.

The Smart Church will help us identify what James Luther Adams called our cause for ultimate optimism.

Congregations that are accepted into The Smart Church process will, in the most constructive way, identify patterns that keep them from being the very best that they could be. In the next several issues of the District Packet I will discuss parts of this process.

I have questions for us to think about as the beginning of this discussion.
  1. What would it be like if we were generous with and serious about Unitarian Universalism?
  2. What are the most important things going on in and around your congregation?
  3. What are the highest reasons for your congregation to exist?
  4. Does your congregation empower, support and encourage leadership to lead?
  5. What happens in your congregation when someone is offended?
  6. Does your congregation practice and encourage deep listening?
  7. How much high drama (as in emotional turmoil) happens in your congregation? How often? Is there a pattern? Does it stop the congregation from transition?
  8. Do you and does your congregation practice humility, action and covenant?
  9. How does your congregation deal with fears when they arise?
10/03/2006