I spend a lot of time in conversations that feature the words “risk” and “failure.”
“The church needs to start taking some risks.”
“The only failure is a failure to learn.”
“Fail fast.”
It happened again last night, at a table with consultants in a room of engaged church members. But this time, something clicked. There is no “church” when it comes to the failures we might risk at this juncture in our congregation’s life. In this conversation, there is only us. The risks that could be taken here will be taken my Jack or Jill, not by “the church.”
Maybe churches change as more and more people choose to take the risk for themselves. But, at the beginning, it’s only Jack and Jill.
And me.
YoRocko! 
Well said. There is a wonderful scene in “Chariots of Fire” where the British Olympic Committee is discussing Eric Liddell’s refusal to run on the sabbath. A crusty old gent mutters, “That’s a decision for the committee.” To which the king/prince responds something like, “You dolt, we ARE the committee.” Deny. Deflect. Wait for someone else to stick their neck out. The problem is always “them”, but never “us”.
But if we do the thing we’re thinking about, then everyone will know it’s “us”
This comes back to the roles, rights and responsibilities of the individual and the corporate/community. I think communities and churches DO take risks, and so do people. A risk is an action…community action is difficult to start
I
But once it starts . . .
It does appear as though “the church” has been around for a long time. It’s the people who may not last too long —–
Ha!