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Even in a process-mode, goals are helpful ways of measuring progress. In addition to setting personal goals, I established goals for the year, goals for each season of adult formation, and goals for each course or event. These goals were posted on flyers and bulletins. Clearly stated goals give you a way to evaluate offerings and provide congregants with a sense of direction and expectation. Setting goals is a good practice to help you develop organizational skills, planning abilities, and institutional trustworthiness.
However many goals you set, or how clearly they are established, a leader who understands process knows that goals can and do change. Over time, I have come to understand goals as markers on a pilgrimage. In the case of adult formation, you establish goals to help your congregation move along on their corporate spiritual journey. Anything may change or disrupt that pilgrimage.
For example, in early autumn 2001, many churches were beginning a new program year when the terrible events of September 11 occurred. I had lined up four guests for the first four weeks of adult education. Everyone cancelled and the church was left with no structured program. What I expected and what happened were two entirely different things. Instead, from week-to-week for the next two months, the clergy and I read the congregation's spiritual needs and could plan only a few days ahead. Our goal switched from "developing a congregation of spiritual practices" to "surviving the grief of a terrorist attack." We all learned that goals are
signposts on our pilgrimage. And sometimes that pilgrimage changes—unexpectedly
and radically. Eventually, we picked up the earlier goal—about practicing faith—and reworked it in light of the changes we faced.
Questions to consider:
- What are your goals for Adult Formation for the next half year?
- What is your attitude toward goal-setting?
- How do you view the relationship between planning and spirituality?
- What impact does your attitude have on Adult Formation for your congregation?
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