Wednesday, October 23, 2013

It's All About Normal People

David Achata:
What’s the foundation of the movement of the church? It’s not a charismatic leader or a super-gifted team. Rather, the movement of Jesus is based on normal people living intentional lives through the Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8). Because you can’t control a life like this, be willing to adapt. 
During the Revolutionary War, the British fought traditionally, in perfect formation in open fields. However, George Washington employed non-traditional, guerrilla warfare tactics. Washington’s army had to adapt to the fact that they didn’t have a huge institution to feed them resources. So what did they do? They hid behind fences and trees and picked off the enemy that way. Instead of waiting on government-issued weapons, they sometimes used civilian ones and made the best of what they had. Similarly, a movement must adapt to incorporate its only and most valuable resource, normal folks. But how do you do this? 
Here’s an example. One day my kids will get to the age when they will need to drive. It will be my responsibility to show them how to operate a car. But is my job done there? No. My kids won’t be in the car to see how great I can drive. They will be in the car so they can get behind the wheel and drive. If I don’t let them drive, I’ve missed the point. It’s the same with disciple making. If leaders don’t allow normal, messy people to get behind the wheel, then we who lead have not done our job. 
Avoiding stifling a movement requires that you be aware of two lessons. First, know when to get out of the way to let others lead. Second, don’t go away completely.
Read the rest.  

No comments: