Overcoming the 'Destiny Instinct' in Church Leadership

As we continue to dive into Hans Rosling's book, 'Factfulness', we explore another instinct which could impact our leadership styles within the church - the ‘Destiny Instinct.’

Understanding the Destiny Instinct in Church Leadership

The ‘Destiny Instinct’ happens when we believe that innate characteristics determine people's destiny, believing things will always stay the same, and that change is either impossible or undesirable. Church staff can fall prey to this instinct when clinging to outdated traditions or practices. The belief that change could betray the church's identity creates a resistance to new technologies and approaches and casts doubts on growth and change possibilities within the church.

The Dangers of the Destiny Instinct

The ‘Destiny Instinct’ can lead to stagnation and a hindrance in the church's adaptation to new contexts to reach newer generations. Reluctance to disrupt the status quo can foster a sense of exclusivity and judgment, preventing us from embracing diverse perspectives that could benefit the church and its community. These sentiments can trap us in the past, limiting the potential growth and evolution that constant adaptation entails.

Overcoming the Destiny Instinct

To combat this instinct, it's essential to recognize that slow change, even when measured in tiny, incremental shifts, is still progress. The world is continuously evolving, and similarly, the church needs to embrace learning, openness, and adaptation to stay relevant.

Here are steps church leaders can undertake:

• Examine your traditions: Identify practices that may hinder growth or relevance.
• Embrace open-mindedness: Be receptive to new approaches, technologies, and demographics in your community.
• Question assumptions: Challenge outdated beliefs and assumptions – this is where growth begins.

Embracing Change and Adaptation

The ‘Destiny Instinct’ need not confine us in the past or prevent us from shaping the future of the church. With mindfulness, openness, and adaptability, we can navigate this instinct and cultivate a dynamic, evolving faith community. Churches are dynamic organisms and should adapt to the changing world around us. Using guidance and wisdom, we can collectively embark on a journey towards a better future.

For more insights on the destiny instinct and adapting to change, don’t miss out on today’s Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Together, let's work toward creating a faith community that grows and evolves with our changing world!