Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think Shannon Kaiser means by “the inherited church”? How would you describe its importance in today’s context?
2. How would you define “experimenting on the edges”? Can you think of any examples from your own church or community?
3. Why is it crucial, as Tod Bolsinger suggests, to honor and preserve elements of the inherited church while also embracing experimentation? How can this balance be achieved effectively?
4. What is adaptive leadership, and why is it important in managing change within a church setting? How has your church leadership approached adaptation during times of change?
5. Discuss the idea of “prototyping” safe, modest experiments on the edges of the church. What benefits and challenges can you foresee with this method?
6. How should churches respond when their surrounding neighborhood changes? In what ways can these changes create both opportunities and obstacles for the church?
7. Tod Bolsinger compares a long-term marriage to the relationship with the inherited church, emphasizing continuous discovery and growth. How can this analogy help us understand the evolution of church practices and traditions?
8. What role does humility play in effective ministry leadership, according to Tod Bolsinger? Can you identify any leaders or instances where humility has made a significant impact?
9. Why do you think some members of a congregation might resist new experiments or changes? How can church leaders effectively communicate the value of these new approaches?
10. Based on the discussion in this episode, what practical steps can church leaders take to ensure that any changes or new experiments are well received and integrated into the broader life of the church?
