Tim Shapiro from the Indianapolis Centre for Congregations suggests that congregations who develop new capacities demonstrate seven "learning behaviours". These characteristics are derived from observation by the Centre's staff rather than by formal research.
Congregations that learn well find and use outside resources.
Congregations that learn well live within a worldview of theological coherence.
Congregations that learn well ask open-ended questions and practice active listening.
Congregations learn well when clergy and laity learn together.
Congregations learn well by attending to rites of passage.
Congregations learn well when they slow things down.
Congregations learn well when they say "no" and say "yes" (stop something when they start something new)
Read the full article over at The Alban Institute here.
Some of the above are interesting in relation to my current research regarding congregations as learning communities. What would you add/change about this list?
Hi Craig: Your link to the Alban Institute gives an error message.
Posted by: Ted Witham | July 31, 2012 at 01:41 PM
fixed! Thanks Ted...
Posted by: craigmitchell | July 31, 2012 at 01:44 PM
Congregation,s learn well when They welcome Holy Spirit as the head, present and leader.
Ian Robinson
Posted by: ian robinson | July 31, 2012 at 02:54 PM