"Successful leaders always keep True North {i.e., the mission} uppermost in everyone’s mind. Adapting methods can be a point of leadership-strength as long as organizational mission remains in the forefront and new methods connect with changing circumstances. (Don’t say, “We’re trying this new … ” Do say, “We’ll better fulfill our mission if we … “) Organizations that believe changing their methods is changing their mission (True North) die. They cling to antiquated, ineffective programs, strategies, and techniques. However, organizations grounded in mission and committed to agility are more likely to thrive. An added benefit, adapting methods is perceived not as weakness but strength." --Dan Rockwell, Leadership Freak
It is sometimes true that churches are unable to separate their mission/message from their methods. Consequently, they wrongly believe that changing a method is equivalent to changing their mission/message. It is one of the reasons you see churches using the same methods that were used in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. No one questions their motivation or genuine commitment to Christ, but they are dying congregations because they refuse to use the most effective means of communicating their mission/message. Dan Rockwell is not necessarily addressing church life, but he is right when he says that "organizations grounded in mission and committed to agility are more likely to thrive."
