This question has weighed heavily on me for the past several months. When I consider some differences between the two:
- Institutions are structures of purposed order that have tendencies to compete for resources, resist collaboration and bind creativity with control that hinders growth.
- Movements are committed, engaged groups of activists motivated by common values, unquenchable passion and innovative agility that seed personal and social change.
I realize that, over time, our team (and church) has assumed some institutional baggage. That’s an uncomfortable truth (because who wants that?) and it’s even more uncomfortable as I become more aware of the same truth in my own personal leadership (oh, snap.)
The exciting part of this awareness is that we’re ON IT! As a church team, we’ve been on a journey to address our adaptive challenges, nurture the chaos of new life and break paradigms that create barriers. It’s not that we’re wrestling with the value of structure but re-discovering where and how much of that structure is essential to equipping unstoppable, organic multiplication.
Quotes I’m resonating with…
- When I invite people to church, I’m asking them to give up what they value doing most on Sunday (or Saturday, or Wednesday) so they can experience what I value.
- The gospel is more than an informational transaction. It is a relational interaction which leads to transformation.
- If you want to have a large impact be committed to the small things.
It’s exciting. And, challenging. I am energized as we find ways to leverage organizational strength to release a decentralized network that can change the world. Here’s some of the resources we’re diving into to help find some language and practical next steps.
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