Guiding Principles

Here is the content of a document I wrote for the members of our Church Council. I thought that I would like to share a list of my guiding principles, touchstones for me as to why I am connected with this congregation. After I shared my principles early in the year, the Council members agreed to take turns coming up with one of theirs. This is a process that's more difficult than one might think!

Guiding Principles
Idea Starter Sheet
By Pastor James Aalgaard


What is a “guiding principle?”

According to a theory called “Family Systems Theory” or “Bowen Theory”, a guiding principle is a principle which is held by an individual or an organization that works toward “differentiation of self.” Differentiation of self is one of the concepts this theory works with in helping people work toward a more thoughtful, mature sense of self in relation to others. Guiding principles can help individuals and groups understand how they are distinct from others, while at the same time being connected.

For myself, I’ve used the image lately of “stepping stones,” or “floor boards” to describe how a guiding principle functions. I’ve also used the image of walking across a stream on the heads of crocodiles! There’s some risk in crossing the stream, but that is what life is about, moving from one point to another.

For our purposes as a Church Council, I propose that we ask ourselves what are guiding principles that help us to understand our level of commitment to this particular Christian community called St. Paul Lutheran Church.

What is an example of a guiding principle?

Lately I’ve come up with five principles that have to do with my connection with this congregation. One example is: “It’s easier to respond to God’s mission in the world as a community of individuals changed by Christ, than it is as individuals changed by Christ.”

This principle has helped to open up for me the blessing that comes with knowing you, and holding public worship with you as a congregation. It also raises my expectations of what God does in worship and in our times of Christian fellowship and ministry.

How do I come up with one (or several!)

Pause to pray. Think of significant moments in your life with St. Paul Lutheran Church. Think also of any dreams you have for this congregation.

Put your pen to paper. It may be helpful to write down some memories in an autobiographical way (who have been significant people for you, what significant thought or spiritual experience have you had here, etc.)

Now boil those thoughts down to a statement that you can remember, a statement that will be important for you as an individual in this community. If you have a hard time coming up with a Bible verse, it’s okay. I bet I can help you with that.