Launches are all about creating one thing – momentum. Momentum is that sense that something
is moving – that things are happening – that you are going somewhere.
So many ministries are just plain stuck. Stuck in the pattern of just doing what
they have always done. There is no
sense that anything new is happening, or is going to happen. And truth be told, most of our
“regulars” have become pretty comfortable with the status quo. They know what is expected of them,
they know what is going to happen next and they enjoy the power and authority
they have gained that keeps things the way they are.
The problem is, when a new person walks through the door, I
believe they can sniff out, in a minute, whether or not this place is
moving. They can tell if there
is room for them, for their dreams, for their ideas, for their
leadership. They can tell if there
is any momentum.
And nothing creates momentum like momentum.
I could write about specifics, about the kind of events and
programs we have done in order to create momentum around here, but that is not what has made the biggest difference.
What I believe creates momentum, is as much about philosophy as it is
about practice. And there are two philosophical approaches we have used to foster a culture where momentum
can flourish:
Permission Giving and Unconditional Collaboration.
Permission Giving. We try to say yes far more than we say
no. If somebody comes up with an
idea to try something we are currently not doing – we try to find a way to say
yes. Most of the time, they have
already given some thought as to how something might work – who else might be
involved – how much it might cost – and where the money might come from to make
it happen.
No need to
refer them to a committee.
No need to ask for a complete five-year, budgetary
breakdown.
No need to see if anyone objects.
Say yes – then get out of the way and see what happens.
My experience tells me that if God is in it – people and
money are never a problem. Out of trying new things – momentum can be
created. The next “big thing” can
emerge without spending a dollar or needing to come up with the idea or recruit the
volunteers. There is nothing that
can stop an inspired person on a mission – equip them and grant them
permission. Momentum is sure to
ensue.
Unconditional Collaboration: We will work with any
one, and any group, if it helps further our ultimate mission (and again our
ultimate mission is not to grow the church – our ultimate mission is the
transformation of people, the community and the world.) If you, or your group, are interested
in doing that, we will find a way to collaborate with you.
We will open up our building – open our
ears – open our resources to help make that happen. Our buildings are one of our greatest assets and one of the
ways we can put ourselves in mission right from the start. So we go out of our way to let the
community use it! If rent is a
problem, we lower it or drop it all together to help make space available for
the mission to happen.
- Block Clubs,
- Support Groups
- Baseball Card Shows
- Exercise Classes
- Even Baby Showers, Anniversaries Celebrations and Birthday Parties
We allow denominational events to use our space almost anytime with very few questions
asked. Any time our space is
being used it helps create a spirit of momentum. “That place is hopping. Something is going on there all the time. Maybe I should stop by sometime and see
what all excitement is about!”
A story: When I
began my last appointment, Sally came to me wanting to start a drama team. I could tell she had been through the
church wringer before. She had asked
this question and been referred to committees who paid her lip service but did
nothing to help her dream get off the ground. She came to me.
She was nervous. Almost
bracing herself to be told no once again.
But what she got was, “Sure, go for it!” Her jaw almost hit the
floor. “Me. You want me to do it? You are going to let me do it?” “Yes. Go for it!
Research it. Recruit for it. Let me know if you need any help. And when you are ready – we will use
it!”
And sure enough that is what she did – and two months later
we had regular dramas being presented in our worship. But more importantly it created momentum. Something new was happening and
new people were getting involved. The
ripple effect from that single "yes" was too big to enumerate here – but let me
just say, we rode that momentum for the six years I had the privilege of serving
there…..
Need momentum?
Try saying yes next time somebody asks if they can start
something – then get out of their way and see what happens.
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