26 Aug The Cluster System After Three Years
We adopted the cluster system at the 2005 National Conference. At that time, two competing philosophies were at work:
- We need to do everything at the cluster level, including who leads the cluster and what they do. Don’t appoint cluster leaders.
- We want clear direction. Tell us what to do, and appoint our cluster leader.
We’ve tried letting clusters develop the way most helpful to them, with the basic focus of churches becoming outward focused and healthy. But some structure works better for many of our pastors. So I’m working on ways to have more structure, but great flexibility, basically telling them, “Here are some things we’d like you to consider, but you figure out how to do it.”
Every group is unique. I sent out surveys to see if pastors felt their cluster was effective and helpful to them. I found that a majority of the pastors enjoy their cluster and enjoy getting together, with a few guys wanting more instruction and leadership development. We’ve had people change clusters, because they wanted a more intentional approach and a nearby cluster was doing that. For the most part the clusters are working.
bkittle
Posted at 09:21h, 26 AugustHaving come for a different background than UB, I have entered the UB world with new eyes. My former organization had a regional meeting once a month that became a drain for ministry and a drain for me personally. However, I have been a part of my cluster for about a year now and I wouldn’t trade the interaction for the world! It’s not just the comradery, but the honest interaction for mutual edification and challenging the power of inertia that gets me excited.
Being around other hard working guys (and gals) helps us all become greater. I for one am thankful for the cluster structure and cluster experience.