Andy Stanley: Gaining & Sustaining Momentum

When we ask churches that are experiencing momentum, “Why?” they will often respond, “God is just blessing.”  Now that is a good answer, but that is not a helpful answer.  The follow-up question needs to be, “what is God blessing?”

Momentum:  Forward motion fueled by a series of wins.

What if there is a formula and commonality for momentum that God created.

3 COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINED MOMENTUM:  NEW, IMPROVED & IMPROVING

1. NEW

• New triggers momentum
• Anything new by definition, generates some kind of momentum
• The momentum can be positive or negative.
• Organizational momentum is often triggered by one of three things:
  • new leadership 
  • new direction 
  • new product
• Momentum is never triggered by tweaking something old.  It is triggered by introducing something new!

2. IMPROVED

• The new must be a noticeable improvement over the old.
• Ask, "is this a significant improvement over what we had before?"
• If you are in a situation where there is not enough money to do something new and improved, you are doing too many things.

3. IMPROVING

• Momentum is sustained through continuous improvement.
• Continuous improvement requires systematic evaluation.
• Continuous improvement requires unfiltered evaluation.
  • Evaluation must be rigorous and on-going and done by the people who helped create it.

APPLYING NEW & IMPROVED & IMPROVING

• NEW:  personnel, programming, season, series, look, venues.
• Look for ways to upgrade your presentation
• Visit other organizations
• Attend other churches

MOMENTUM STOPPERS

• Disengaged leaders
• Overactive management
• Complacency
• Complexity
• A breach of trust

Comments

[KathyJ]

A few tangential ideas on momentum.

Momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. HPFTWBTG increases mass. Velocity=Vision casting for direction x the speed of the Spirit. We're good at mass and direction so I guess we really need God speed. Are we prayerful about asking God for revival through prayer? More outpouring please! I think that's why you hear people say "God is just blessing" because speed is in His control, not ours.

Also, the total momentum of a closed system of objects (which has no interactions with external agents) is constant, therefore; to increase momentum increase interactions with external agents - make sure you are an open system(an open system...hmmm interesting...sounds missional). So, increase interactions with God, increase interactions with the unchurched/lost et.al., and never ever close the doors to Christ's church.

I think Pentecost was an amazing example of momentum. The numbers of believers were increased (mass) God poured out His Spirit (speed), they devoted themselves to the teaching (direction)and due to that momentum, "A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."

Gotta love momentum!

[Brian Miller]

Great thoughts and notes. Thanks for sharing Dave!

[Mark M]

How timely. We are currently in the midst of trying to see how we can create momentum, yet I feel like we are grasping into thin air at times. These few short notes have brought some clarity to the issues for me and given me an important reminder - place this in God's hands and allow his to bless it. Thanks for this, Dave.

[Matt Payne]

So should we change the name to New(AND IMPROVED)Thing Network?

[Antwon Davis]

Wow. Andy not only introduces an insightful way to view momentum, but he also gives a simple - yet thought provoking way to maintain it.

Definitely insight all leaders can use.

[Rob-coast]

Thanks for taking the time to post this Dave.. very helpful.

[cindi pearl]

andy stanley,
I heard you speak about tithing on your
Dad's television program and you were so good.
The way you explained it was so heartwarming and it let everyone know they
can start out small if they need too. You
are awesome as well as your dad. Cindi P.