Simple Things Grow

Everyday life feels as complex as ever. 

For example, when I don’t feel well and go to the doctor, the billing is complex. I tell them I have a high-deductible medical plan. I get statements and bills mailed to me two to three weeks after the appointment. I pay the bill from my Health Savings Account, and then I have to submit copies of my receipt to ensure it is legitimate. 

All because I had a cough.

That is just one example, and I am sure you can come up with countless others. 

• If you change the wireless router in your house, you will be amazed at how much time you spend making sure all your devices can connect. 

• Need your car worked on? You can get an appointment . . . in three weeks.

• Even running into a grocery store to grab a box of cereal is complex—so many options. 

The complexity of the modern world makes it imperative that church leaders strive for and lead with simplicity. 

The people in your church and community are emotionally tapped out, and they want simplicity to help them grow spiritually. They don’t want a thousand options. They crave clarity and direction. 

In a recent episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, we had a riveting conversation with Rodney Elliot, and here are a few of the key takeaways regarding keeping things simple:

1. You have to confront the brutal facts about the current state of your church.

A simple question is: If a non-Christian assessed your church, what would they say you are ALL ABOUT based on what you do? 
It is easy to believe that you are all about reaching the One who doesn’t know Jesus while all your activity maintains the church as an organization.

2. If you want to be a church about reaching the One, every individual leader should strive to reach the One in their personal lives. 

The “church” will never do something that its members are not doing. Leaders cannot outsource reaching the One to the church's programs. It is an individual pursuit, in community.

3. Every meeting should include stories of One-reaching. 

The best way to keep this alive and well is to tell personal stories of the primary mission. 

4. Pastors baptize people in complex systems. 

When you have something replicable and about Jesus, the baptism celebrations are about unleashing the power of the priesthood of all believers. 

5. Simple things grow. 

Simple things multiply. Simple things can be replicated. So strive for clarity and simplicity.

The Intentional Churches podcast helps you learn from leaders who are applying the IC principles in the real world. Check out the full episode with Rodney Elliot on Radical Alignment to the Great Commission.

Listening to the podcast is a simple way to learn from a great leader who has a gift for explaining things simply.