Discussion Questions:
1. What aspects of the “old world” do you find people in your community or church trying to hold onto? How do you see that impacting the church’s direction?
2. Can you share an experience where you had to let go of a past success or “glory days” mindset to move forward in your personal or professional life?
3. Why do you think holding onto the past can be comforting, but potentially damaging, to a church’s ability to grow and adapt?
4. In what ways does the quote from Miroslav Volf challenge traditional views of church leadership and the mission of the church?
5. How can leaders in the church create a balance between honoring traditions and being open to new directions that the future may require?
6. Discuss the concept of “adaptive leadership” mentioned by Tod Bolsinger. What characteristics must a church leader possess to effectively guide their congregation through uncharted territory?
7. How does one navigate leading a congregation without a clear map of the future? What practical steps can be taken to become better oriented toward an unknown world?
8. In what ways does the analogy Tod Bolsinger uses—treating his adult children as though they were 10 and 7—help illustrate the pitfalls of refusing to adapt to a changing context?
9. How can churches focus on preserving the faith rather than the institution itself, as suggested by Tod Bolsinger, and why is this important?
10. With the recognition that the new world hasn’t yet been born, what strategies can congregations employ to remain dynamic and responsive to the Spirit’s guiding into an uncertain future?