Chapter 10: Modeling Clay
Implementing Models VS Creating from Scratch
You’ve been to the conference. You’ve visited the church. Now how do you become the
next Northpoint, Willow Creek, Mars Hill, Saddleback, Hillsong, etc?
By doing what they do, right?
Here are two quick thoughts to consider before implementing that new idea...
First, be who God has called you to be. Your ministry Vision, Mission & Calling should
not dictated by popular opinion - but rather by God. By his design, churches and
ministries will come in all shapes and sizes. There are people who would never enter the
doors of a mega church that would attend a home church. Your ministry is unique. Don’t
let the allure of numbers define your ministry objectives.
Second, Know your context (refer to Chapter 2). Not all programs will work in all places.
Just because something ‘works’ somewhere else, doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Should You Create or Model?
The artist in me screams “innovate - don’t emulate!” But I also understand that there are
some people who, when they see a blank page, can only see a blank page. For some of us
it’s easier and more fun to create from scratch, and some of us need a baseline or
starting point to build off of and tweak. There are implementers and dreamers and both
are important and necessary in the Kingdom of God.
Creating from Scratch
Have you ever heard or thought something to the effect of, “What did we ever do before
cellphones..”? Inventors and innovators excel at finding the solutions that never existed.
They’re able to ask, “what could make this better, easier, etc?”, and not limit the answer
to existing products, services, examples or methods. If you are wired this way, you have
a lot to offer - but be careful that your desire for originality doesn’t trump what’s best for
your ministry. It can take significantly more time and resources to create something
from scratch than it would to adapt something already in existence. There is a wealth of
great ideas and inspiration out there already - don’t be afraid of them. That being said,
when you are able to create something from within your Context for your Context, the
impact has phenomenal potential. Humble thyself and do what’s best both for yourself,
and for your ministry.
Implementing Models
If you are an implementer, you’re probably really good at ‘getting things done’. While a
dreamer is spending hours looking for the ‘best’ way - you’ve already been doing stuff
with satisfactory tools. When you see a great illustration at a conference - you are
inclined to want to duplicate it. Beware of copy-cating. You may be more inclined than a
dreamer to use stock video clips or existing song arrangements - rather than go through
the extra effort of creating your own. Be aware of the artists that you may alienate if
creativity is held at arms length. Know your people. Know your context. Humble thyself
and do what’s best both for yourself, and for your ministry.