Personal accountability in leading a foreign congregation
Personal accountability in leading a foreign congregation
The steady yet slow growth of the New Hope Church in America is an indication of commitment by the Korean-Americans to support the ministry's programs and cooperate in worship and fellowship. However, some negative notions imported from the Korean culture affect the success of the ministry's programs especially urban centers of America. Such notions such as the lack of sensitivity to community service are inherited by the new generation of believers from their elders. In the book “QBQ; the question behind the question” John Miller explains that a leader is responsible for initiating the change they desire to manifest in the congregation. Instead of whining and complaining or blaming the masses for the faults they experience, the leaders should lead by exhibiting the qualities they advocate for in their respective congregations. I acknowledge the fact that blaming the failures on an external and intangible source such as the Korean culture may not assist in uprooting the problem. John Miller points out;
Keeping in mind that a good leader exhibits accountability and responsibility rather than simply attaining the highest position or maintaining it for the longest period, I have learned to strive to influence my positive ideas in the congregation like a parent does to their children. Miller equates the best example of good leadership to parent-hood. He asserts that serving while leading the people is the best way of achieving one's goals as the people achieve their goals too.
The right questions
According to Miller, dwelling on the wrong question to address issues in an organization are the main cause for failure in the effort to address the problem. A question such as 'who' directs the leader to find someone to blame for the wanting situation existing. Moreover, asking a question such as 'when' leads the inquirer to procrastinate and more often than not, ends up postponing their actions. For instance, when one needs another person to fulfill their part before they can act, their actions are dependent on an external source that they cannot control “Starting a question with 'when' lets you put off finding the answer” asserts Miller.
Finding a workable solution, therefore, lies in asking the right questions to address the problems. A question such as 'what' or ‘how’ eliminates the pessimism in the leaders mind and instead helps them to focus on empowering themselves to take control of the situation. By focusing on the main issue, the leader creates an opportunity to face it without distractions.
Using available resources
In every project or program one sets out to do, there are the readily available resources that are also cheap though inadequate. In finding the useful tools and equipment to achieve my goals of correcting the negative conceptions in the New Hope Church of Korean-Americans, I realize that the commitment of the few members especially the second generation is extremely vital.
“Try to succeed within the box and get the job done well with the resources that are available.” insists Miller.
The new generation of American born Koreans and those adopted from Korea and though few, a useful tool in enacting change in the backward traditions of Korean culture such as conflicting over programs and church leadership. Instead of offering solutions, most members complain and cause wrangles within the church. I need the incorruptible generation of young members to establish a culture based on scriptural teaching and equality among all social classes and both genders.
Beginning the change
As a leader, I am the most important tool in the process of enacting change and establishing my desired qualities in the New Hope Church congregation. As Miller reflects, change begins from an individual's exemplary initiative and spreads by influencing the rest of the people. It is easier to convince people to act in particular way while doing the same. My words should follow my action. In the book, he says;
“Keep your eye on 'I'”.
I should, therefore, focus on what I can and should do in my plan to improve the services offered in New Hope Church to not only attract more members but also establish a desirable culture that is based on Scriptural teaching.
Bibliography
Miller, John. QBQ: The Question Behind The Question.What to Really Ask Yourself. Practicing Personal. Accountability in Business and in Life” 2001, Published by Denver Press. ISBN 0-9665832-9-9
