The Rays clearly saw that for an organization to improve, it is not sufficient to further strengthen strengths. It is important rather to know the weaknesses, and astutely allocate resources to address the weaknesses. That is what they did. And they have been remarkably successful
I mentioned earlier that church growth, while clearly a work of God, requires that the leaders, as good farmers, become astute in the factors that produce the best environment for growth. Growth is the work of God, but we are called to understand and address those principles which are characteristic of a healthy body, into which God builds growth.
This is really what the Rays have done, identifying what is necessary for success – pitching, fielding, teamwork, clubhouse chemistry, etc. – and addressing the areas where they were the weakest. When we can see our weaknesses (a painful thing) we are in the best position to grow beyond where we are. Progress in the weakest area may cue significant change in the whole.
In baseball, identifying the attributes which contribute to success is fairly easy. Finding the personnel to improve those areas is not. In the church, identifying the principles which provide the environment for growth is hard, and admitting our weakness in those areas can be tough. But God provides the gifted people through whom to build on the weaknesses.
The good news is that small steps in the weakest area can have a significant impact.
The Rays are not perfect in every area. They still have weak spots and areas for growth. We cannot as a church expect to perfect every aspect of church life. But we can, if we have the heart to do so, compare our ministries to those factors which encourage growth. Small improvement at the point of weakness can significantly improve the whole.
You see then the question around which I am dancing. What factors which must be present for a church to be healthy? If there are, say, ten key factors which every church must evidence, what are they? Knowing what they are can provide the assessment grid with which we can assess the areas in any church which need the greatest attention.
So, what are those factors? I’m all ears.