May 17, 2016

The Speed (or Lack Thereof) of Change

The conversation about building a parking lot began before I was born. And while I’m not ready for the pasture, I, sadly, no longer qualify as spring chicken.

Welcome to church time, which runs apace with glaciers.

I wonder if you, like us, have a project that’s been brewing for years but can’t seem to move from idea to action. Here’s how we pushed ahead with building a parking lot after years of the idea languishing on a pending list.

First, the rector was clear that the decision lives with the vestry, which would take recommendations from the building committee but would own the final decision and implementation. There’s truth to the adage of too many cooks in the kitchen. Plus, the vestry is comprised of the church’s elected representatives bound as stewards for the health of a congregation, including its buildings and finances.

Second, the rector and the vestry looked closely at the need. What would happen if nothing happened, if no parking lot was constructed? This church has zero off-street parking. Not even one spot. No reserved handicapped spots or places for visitors. It’s catch-as-catch-can on Sunday mornings, especially as the congregation has grown. Try finding a spot on a busy Sunday (we had nearly 400 on Easter) in a residential area. Don’t wear heels because you’ll be walking several blocks. Fortunately, the owners of a nearby funeral home attend the church, and they open their parking lot to members on Sundays. That’s a huge gift, but it’s inside knowledge—only those who attend the church already know they can park there. It’s not helpful for first-time visitors, and it’s too far for handicapped parking and for some of our aging members.

The need, the rector and vestry decided, was clear.

Third, they communicated the intention to the congregation—but didn’t hold an open forum. Questions and concerns could be directed to the vestry, but there wasn’t an all-come and everybody-share meeting. This was deliberate to keep the momentum. Some people have asked questions and met with vestry members or the rector, but this plan kept the project from spinning (again) into a group-think process and placed the responsibility and decision-making with people who have studied the issue, looked at the options, and know the topography and city requirements.

The church leaders will go before the city soon to get permission for the project and hope to break ground this summer for twenty-three parking spots. The plan carefully considers the church (and community) commitment to preserving green space, especially a few lovely shade trees that line the main street.

The slow speed of change in most congregations can drive some people crazy (including me, at times). On the other hand, change for change sake isn’t necessarily healthy, and respect for the slow easing in of new ideas or programs can be a good path. How can you find the right balance? And when the time is right for change to be implemented, do you have a plan to make sure it moves forward?

Don't miss a blog post! Subscribe via email or RSS, using the grey box on the upper right.