Leadership and a learning organization: A CIMPLE model

The purpose of this Ministry Focus Paper is to present and apply the key concepts and principles of leadership theory and Total Quality Management (TQM), as illustrated in Scripture and described in the literature, to Calvary Assembly of God through a model, CIMPLE. CIMPLE stands for customer, improvement, measurement, processes, leadership and employee. If Calvary Assembly is going to meet the challenges of today's society, it must develop a new paradigm of leadership and ministry. The CIMPLE Model will provide a viable approach for increased ministry effectiveness.; Calvary Assembly is a fifty-year old congregation that has reached a critical point in its history. There are concerns that significant change is needed if it is going to continue its effectiveness into the next millennium. Over the past several years, changes regarding the worship style have surfaced various tensions between generations and factions within the congregation who hold to various agendas regarding the purpose of the church. This upheaval, while upsetting, offers an opportunity to ask some basic questions as to purpose and mission, an opportunity to rethink the role and a philosophy of leadership to lead the diverse congregation, and lay the groundwork to re-invent the local church based on sound theological principles.; This paper will be divided into three sections. Part One will set forth the biblical and theological foundations for ministry and leadership and the role of the leader/minister in a post-modern culture. This role requires the church leader to understand what is needed and how to cultivate the climate for a learning organization that will enable the church to meet the challenges and opportunities of this present generation.; Part Two will investigate, through a contextual analysis, the present ministry and leadership situation at Calvary Assembly. To move any organization to some "future state" requires an accurate assessment of its current context. This section will provide that important analysis which will detemine the leader's approach in moving Calvary Assembly forward.; Part Three will define what constitutes a learning organization and define the key principles to the CIMPLE model. Critical strategies will be outlined that allow implementation of the model. This will include the background to support each principle, specific goals and programs which are measurable and consistent with the biblical and philosophical principles outlined in Part One.; The goal of this paper is to advance critical strategies that will implement the CIMPLE Model. It will provide a theologically and strategically solid plan that will assist Calvary Assembly in laying a framework to move effectively regarding planning, evaluation and leadership development as it strives to align its ministry to meet the diverging and increasingly complex needs within our society.