Dear family
I hope that at this point in time we realised that our church organizations are ideal for the outcomes we are experiencing right now. More of the same will only produce more of the same. But – is this what Jesus had in mind?
There’s something new going on today, stepping up in what I believe Jesus taught us. Best-selling writers are introducing us to a more revolutionary view of leadership. The works of Gladwell (The Tipping Point), Brafman/Beckstrom (The Starfish and the Spider) and Godin (Tribes) push us in the direction of new organizational thinking and leadership styles that challenge the status quo and reveal previously undiscovered, very old ways of doing things. In the first century, this kind of movemental influence was sparked by both Jesus and Paul.
A few things are clear. You can’t lead in the same manner as you always have and expect a different outcome. What worked in the previous influence model will likely work against you in the current one. You cannot expect to succeed in the new sphere of influence by carrying on with the same strategies that once brought you success in the old one.
You need to alter the way you recruit, develop, and manage your workforce (disciples). It is necessary to replace the outdated definition of success.
In keeping with this, I want to share a chart compiled by Neil Cole that compares and contrasts traditional and modern methods of influence.
This is key and part of the DNA of disciple making.
Kingfisher discovered this through the years and adjusted our ministry approach accordingly and are still busy doing so. It is a paradigm shift and not always easy growing into it, but a satisfying journey of obedience. The challenge for you today: Wherever, whoever, whatever you lead – what do you learn here and how can you apply it?
