These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For
Sometimes a line develops an iconic stature. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” Even waved my hand just like Obi-Wan Kenobi. Always draws a smile or a look of recognition. Doesn’t have to fit exactly. I’m rarely challenged to defend its meaning. Serves as a cultural bridge to let people know that I know what’s going on. It’s harmless.
Other times a line becomes so familiar that we say it without acknowledging what it really means.
“A church where nobody stands alone.” Philosophically? Or actually? Imagine what that would mean if it were lived out.
“The optimum environment for life-change is a small group.” Idealistically? Or actually? What would have to be true about a small group for that line to be anything more than a line?
“Everyone needs to be cared for by someone but no one can take care of more than ten.” Words that influence our care structure? Or fantasy?
“Whatever you want to happen in the lives of the members has to happen first in the life of the leader.” Truth? Or fiction? Does what you’re delivering in the way of experience indicate that you really believe it?
“Unconnected people are always one tough thing away from not being around.” Actually? Or figuratively? Has it changed or influenced your practice?
What do you think? Have a line you use that you want to share? You can click here to jump into the conversation.
In reference to the sentence “The optimum environment…” your blog has made some heart changes in the way I do ministry, and I now know that what would have to be true is: launch a group that is balanced in relational, prayer, bible reading and application, and serving- and God will spill out of this group onto others because of your obedience and investment. This is a description of the last group I planted- just a few months ago- and they are already looking to reproduce themselves! Thank you for all the tools your blog has given me!
That’s so encouraging! Thanks for sharing that here. Love hearing stories about how it’s working.
mark
Hi Mark. As always… Great stuff! I think most of these cliches are half-truths, not because it isn’t possible for them to be true, because our practices make them untrue. For instance, The phrase, “The optimal environment for life-change is a small group.” That phrase is only true in a system where life-change is the goal and the church that uses the phrase has equipped their leaders to take note of and help group members experience freedom from sins and addictions, challenge group members to make amends with those they are at odds with, make disciples, not just have meetings, etc…
Too many churches embrace a phrase without realizing they must utilize an approach that makes the phrase true and equip and empower their leaders to do what is necessary to bring truth to the phrase.
My thoughts exactly, Rick. Only when we design for outcome do we get the results we hope for. “Path, not intent, determines destination.” Andy Stanley