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Discussion Questions:
- Why does Tod Bolsinger argue that trust is a prerequisite for transformation within communities and organizations? Do you agree with his perspective? Why or why not?
- How do the concepts of “technical competence” and “relational congruence” work together to build trust in leadership, according to Tod? Can you think of examples where one without the other was problematic?
- Tod mentions that trust should not be squandered or wasted. What are some common ways church leaders or organizations accidentally waste trust, and how can these be avoided?
- Discuss the metaphor of a “trust bank account.” How does this analogy help explain the relationship between trust and adaptive change?
- What is “charism” as defined by Tod, and why is clarifying a church or organization’s unique values and identity essential before embarking on transformation?
- Why do stories play such a crucial role in helping a group discern its authentic values, according to Tod’s process? Can you recall a time when storytelling helped clarify your own group’s values?
- How does listening to the surrounding community and identifying a “pain point” impact the direction of a church’s or organization’s mission?
- Tod suggests that real transformation often requires a willingness to experience loss and even a drop in trust. Why do you think this is such a challenging step for leaders and congregations?
- What does it mean for a congregation’s charism to become “embodied” rather than just “institutionalized”? How might you observe this difference in practice?
- Reflecting on the episode’s examples, what encouragement or advice would you offer to a community that feels hesitant or uncertain about pursuing deep transformation?
