Growing Pains- System Strains

Growing pains are common experiences during the growth-filled teenage years. Knees ache. Ankles throb. Headaches often persist for days. Such pain is often met with tears, complaints, and even emotional outbursts. The calming response of a parent can be felt in the reply of, “It’s ok to cry. Pain is proof you are growing up.” Although those words may not make the pain go away, they let the child know their pain is normal and that they are not alone.  

Growing pains are common in churches as well. The purpose of this article is to let you know the pain and frustration you feel are normal and that you are not alone. And just as our emotions respond to the strains of physical growth, church members and pastors alike often complain, have emotional outbursts, and even cry when the pressures of church growth exceed their comfort level. 

Instead of calling them “growing pains,” let’s call them “system strains.” All systems and processes will experience strain as capacity is reached. Applying the “cause and effect” principle, strains are the effects of root causes that can be identified within systems and processes.  

Consider communities that are growing. Infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, fiber optic lines, streets, as well as police and fire personnel, must all expand to support the growth of a city.  The same can be said for any organization. 

Many pastors have felt like they were failing when they are actually experiencing the strain that is on the inadequate systems they are working within. For example: systems and processes built for 30-50 members will strain greatly under the load of 100 members. 

A valid complaint is often an expression of frustration centered around a system strain that should be analyzed with an objective perspective. The first step in managing system strain properly is to clearly identify what is causing it. If you were to categorize complaints, frustrations, and notable stress, what would you discover about your systems and processes? What systems need to improve so you and your church can meet the demands of the growth you are experiencing? Consider the following: 

Communication methods and styles – Failure to effectively and efficiently distribute important information can be the cause of great frustration and even cause some to feel abandoned. Communicating the details of an upcoming event in a small church setting can be done with a short announcement as the offering is being received. However, a larger church may need to implement mass-texting, e-blast newsletters, offer printed flyers, and host an active Facebook page. Word-of-mouth does not work as well with a larger church as members may not be as connected. 

Processes and procedures – This the “how do things get done” question. Consider the following: How are bills paid? How are meetings planned for, announced, and facilitated? How are board members, classroom volunteers, and greeters selected? How are calendars are developed and distributed? How are themes communicated?  

Staff development – Being very intentional about developing leaders, volunteers, and future board members can help ease the strain of under-staffed departments and unequipped leaders.  

Financial management programs – Financial management programs such as Quickbooks and ChurchTracer can greatly help a church. Church management software such as Breeze and Realm help manage membership, calendars, contribution statements, and attendance (*not an advertisement). 

Internal culture – What are the mutually accepted norms? There are times when service times, seating arrangements, service structure, department leadership, and the overall mission of the church should be re-visioned to ensure viability. 

Bylaws – It is wise to revisit the bylaws every few years to ensure they are current, being sure to include wedding ceremony policies, expense reimbursement policies, and background check policies for staff and volunteers. 

Decision Flow-Charts - Many pastors get frustrated when they are asked to make multiple decisions right before service time while they are trying to focus on what they are about to preach. A flow-chart can be created to show the types of decisions that can be made by those in various leadership positions. Although this list is not exhaustive, it gives you an idea of how systems and processes can come under strain in a church. Periodically review all systems and processes to ensure they support the goals and intentions of the church. Do not be afraid to make necessary changes that will facilitate growth. Educate and involve key people as to the why's and what's and move forward together. Being a good steward in the Kingdom of God often requires intentional analysis to ensure the growth God is trying to bring forth can happen effectively and efficiently. A system failure is not your failure until you refuse to change the system.