Two phrases are commonplace that hinder the mission. One is often assigned to church members; the other one seems to attach itself to church leaders. In theory, they appear to be different. In reality, both are the same.
This member says, “We’ve never done it that way before.”
That leader states, “We’ll do it that way if you can prove that it works.”
Both are tragic statements. They reflect a deeper state of unwillingness to move in new directions–sometimes even if the Spirit is leading.
Both are about playing it safe. Yes, there is a place for wisdom and discernment–such is the way of Kingdom stewards. However, the Church is to exist in a state of the expectation of change. Ongoing assessment and adjustment are necessary for reaching the four billion.
While leaders get frustrated at being told the church has never operated that way before (and she is not going to start something different now), those same leaders are sometimes guilty of the same offense–with different words.
“Prove it to me. Then we’ll do it.” The truth is new ideas cannot be proven until they are tried. An innovative idea cannot be tested until someone does it. Asking for proof before something is attempted is foolish–and bad leadership.
As I’ve mentioned before, we want other people’s stories to provide us with the courage to move. However, we are children of the King (1 John 3:1). His Spirit is within us (1 Cor 3:16). He has saved us for His mission (Acts 1:8). What more do we need?
The four billion need us to write our own stories. We don’t have time to prove everything first.
As leaders, we know the bad in “We’ve never done it that way before.” Do we recognize it when we say, “We’ll move if that is something you can prove.”?