Spiders on organization

Healthy churches are complex in nature. The metaphor of the spider and web illustrate this point when it comes to gathering and processing information. A spider web has many connections but unlike a fishnet for example, the connections are all convergent. Often a spider will sit at the point of origination (convergent) and respond and process the trapping of the web. The point of convergence may be on the web or at a central location near the base of several webs ("If This is the Way the World Works", Avery & Gaede, pages 43 & 53).

The church must create many webs in which to gather information but the point of origination for each informational web created as well as the assessment of the information gathered must be "convergent", based upon WHFC's identity: the stated reason why we exist. Our vision, mission and objectives are the core values that give us continuity. Commitment and loyalty by all to the stated purpose of the congregation is essential for the well-being of the organization.

"Change and health in the church is situational; it is based upon the interconnectedness between the information gathered, the purpose of the organization and her ability to respond to the information received. It also requires a web of relationships with strong interconnectedness and leaders in the web who can learn to stand forward, stand behind and stand beside the web welcoming surprises, being curious about differences, delighting in inventiveness, and nurturing and connecting people in relationship" (Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ron Heifetz).

So who wants to help be a spider web builder for God? And, what questions do we need to ask the general congregation to begin gathering the life giving information we need? What say you?
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Adrian