The Value in Being A Novice
Two Tips from Journalism School
that Could Help Church Leaders
Church leaders are groping for elusive answers to pervasive problems. Here and there a few bright stars shine but most are dimming.
Perhaps taking a journalist’s approach to problem-solving might be helpful.
I still remember a few nuggets of wisdom from my journalism training forty years ago.
One tip impressed upon us was to make friends with the secretaries—they know what’s going on and are often gatekeepers to people with answers who are harder to reach. Translation for non-journalistic ventures—the workers know a few things—important things—the good and the bad. Don’t ignore them.
Who knows the nuts and bolts of your congregation? The secretary? The sexton? The head of the women’s group? A retired, respected elder? All of these?
Don’t see them as threats to authority. See them as allies in mission—sources of helpful information. That’s probably how they view themselves!
Second, and more difficult for some, is to approach interviewees or news sources as a novice. This is hard! You see this advice ignored by TV journalists spoonfeeding sound bytes to their interviewees every day!
Allow your interviewees to be the experts. That way you’ll learn what THEY know, not spout what you know.
In short, adopt a beginner’s mindset. For real. Don’t just pretend. That comes off as patronizing for good reason.
Journalists find this approach empowers the source. By listening, they’ve given credit to the source—made them feel important—encouraged them. Result: they learn more than they expected.
What would happen in the Church if leaders listened to the people they expect to do the work?
What would happen if in looking for answers, church leaders approached questions as if they know nothing—not with a long list of traditions and rules?
As we approach the season of church assemblies and general meetings, take some time to listen. Avoid the temptation to play the expert. Be a blank slate looking for fresh ideas and the true reasons people are falling away from church.
Adopt a beginner’s mindset. Change may be around the corner.