“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc 1:9).
When I was a graduate and doctoral student, I was exposed to a great deal of Donald McGavran’s writings. One of the things with McGavran that often frustrated me was his literary redundancy. Book after book, article after article, he would repeat major thoughts and sentences. I wondered: Why is he writing the same thing again? His playlist is on repeat! I thought I was buying the latest album!
I eventually came to the conclusion that McGavran’s redundancy was related to his attempt to change a paradigm. Paradigms do not shift easily. Fresh means of repetition are a must. McGavran got it and changed the status quo.
But we can do better than this….We must do better. McGavran’s day is long gone.
The principle of redundancy frustrates me. Say it once, maybe twice, discuss, and change. People are able to return to the primary source when review is needed. And review is needed. Say it once, maybe twice, discuss, and move on to the next critical issue. Problems and time wait for no one. The world recognizes this truth. For example, in junior high, you received algebra. High school offered you some review, but mainly development. Then colleges expected you to know it. They expected you to move. I know…I did not have it.
Or, consider the marketing and leadership world in which Seth Godin operates. I tracked with his writings for a few years, often watching what was happening beneath the surface (It is what missiologists do.). Godin would explain something new, usually once, maybe twice, and then assumed you got it. Woe to the unfamiliar jumping into his writings at any given point! That poor soul often found himself or herself wondering, “What is my lizard brain?” or “What is a purple cow”? Godin explained those concepts five and ten years ago. . . and then moved on. He knew if you were serious, then you got it. . . or were adult enough that you could do a little homework and catch up. Challenges and time wait for no one.
Unfortunately, the Church is frequently about another story. Our operating principle for making wise change is the sad principle of redundancy.
(I know it is not apples to apples, so I want to avoid a poor hermeneutic, but I wonder if Paul, after those 18 months in Corinth, felt this frustration when he wrote: “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh” (1 Cor 3:1-3).)
I have the honor to serve on a council of North American missiologists. This week, we are hosting a two-day event for 70 outstanding young leaders (mainly under 40 yrs). I participated in this morning’s session. While there were many encouraging moments and excellent thoughts shared, I noticed a reoccurrence: Several of the practical ministry concepts addressed were nothing new. They had been raised and answered 10-20 years ago! For many participants, what should have been well-understood concepts were new ideas.
Not only did the Boomers, and GenXers (my generation), fail to embrace the needed principles of healthy change from yesteryear, but our neglect has kept a younger generation in the conceptual (and practical) dark. Reflecting on my own journey, what I surprisingly (and embarrassingly) encountered in 2008 (which I should have learned in the mid-1990s) was discovered by another generation of leaders on December 1, 2021!
The Church cannot keep repeating missiological concepts afresh for 30 years before a generation finally “gets it” and leads for change. I recognize organizational transition takes time, but our present approach in North America is a reflection of poor stewardship to state the least. Every generation needs to be taught history and lessons learned from yesteryear; this is wise stewardship. However, when the college freshman does not know 7th grade algebra, then there is a major problem somewhere.
State it once, maybe twice. Seek the Spirit’s guidance in the community of the saints. Review as needed. Lead with the Word. And Change! The five billion remain.
And yes…this is the second time I have published a post on the topic of redundancy….