August 22, 2013

Trapper Keepers for Back-to-Church

I want a Trapper Keeper. And folders with pockets, wide-ruled notebooks, and gallon-size bags for the class to share.

I secretly like back-to-school shopping: it gives me a sense of organization that feeds my inner control needs. What I wish for, though, is a simple list for the back-to-church and back-to-fall routine. It’s time to get organized, and I’m not sure No. 2 pencils and dry-erase markers are going to be enough.

Just like spring is linked with cleaning, I propose that fall partners with organizing. While churches with haphazard planning can still do remarkable ministry, I bet it’s a lot harder for the folks involved—and a caution sign for visitors who might consider joining.

For instance, an organized, enticing bulletin board with up-to-date flyers and notices is a sign of a church with forward momentum. If your bulletin board paper has twenty different shades of 8 ½ by 11 rectangles because of fading underneath old papers, it’s time to replace and re-organize.

If nothing is listed on your public church calendar (on the web, in bulletins, or in newsletters), folks might wonder if this is a happening place. Most thriving churches have activity every day of the week, from worship and youth group to Bible studies and knitting groups, from AA meetings to community gatherings, to Yoga sessions. Make sure this items are listed on your calendar far in advance so you can plan ahead—and so can others.

I suggest the staff (paid and volunteer, clergy and lay) spend a couple of hours before Labor Day and talk about organization. What’s the best way to keep everyone in the loop for schedules, shared meetings, and days off? Is there a better mechanism for collecting bulletin announcements and newsletter stories—perhaps even an online tool like Dropbox, which offers web-based, shared access? How can we better coordinate hospital and nursing home visits? Is there a better way for membership and financial management?

I don’t have all the answers to these questions: different solutions will fit different circumstances. But I am pretty sure the questions need to be discussed. A more organized church may or may not make God happy, but it sure can open some space and time to hear and respond to what God is asking.