J.R. Briggs
Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep
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Generation Flux and the Future of the Church
My favorite magazine is Fast Company.
This may seem like a strange combination as a pastor, but for an apostolically-wired visionary (sometimes to a fault) like me who doesn’t mind taking risks for things that are significant, this magazine is pure candy.
It forces me to think differently.
I read different perspectives.
It gives me a pulse on culture.
I am challenged to think about the future.
I am entertained.
And I am pushed to new areas and levels of creativity because I am thinking about things I normally wouldn’t think about in my ‘normal circles.’
Now, FC is a business entrepreneur magazine. For a pastor who has strong convictions that the church should not borrow or adopt business practices for church leadership, I have to use a great deal of discernment when I read. Sometimes there is dissonance in me when I read, but I try to embrace the turbulence, even if it makes me dizzy. It makes for great discussions and debates in my head. Sometimes there is crossover and agreement, but there are also dominant themes of empire expansion when I am called to submit to the kingdom of God.
Recently I read an article in the most recent issue called This is Generation Flux: Meet the Pioneers of the New (and Chaotic) Frontier of Business that made my head spin. Again, while it deals purely from a business perspective (and not a ministry one) I found myself asking many questions about what implications – good and bad, big and small, direct and indirect – this might have on the church.
The premise of the article is this: the current state of business, technology and communication are in such a fluctuating period of chaos and experiencing rapid rate of change that only those who adapt will have any chance of surviving. This sounds like a “survival of the fittest” meet technology. In a way, it is. However, it brings up several provocative -and even haunting – questions about how institutions have been run the past and how they will have to be led in the future.
As a pastor, of course, I make the obvious connection to the chaotic, rapidly shifting and turbulent culture we’re experiencing in the North American church. This institution, of course, is Christendom, which has been a part of our heritage for over a thousand years. But the cracks are growing larger to the point that they can no longer be ignored. Watch this very well done video created by the good people at 3DM and narrated by Mike Breen.
Will we be adaptable enough to move as the Spirit blows? We have a saying at our church: the structure must submit to the Spirit. Easy to say, hard to actually do. Read Matt Steen’s thoughts on what the church can learn from Kodak, which probably overlap and intersect with what I’m attempting to communicate here.
A few years ago I wrote a post on the vital need for the Church in North America to rethink how we “do church” – and why adaptability is so key to the process. Its less stable and more scary, but it gives flexibility the opportunity to provide new avenues of possibility as Christendom crumbles.
I also wonder about the value of staying put. We live in a microwave culture. Read this post from Mike Breen on a similar thought. How do we teach people to use ovens correctly in a microwave culture?
Do me a favor: Read the Fast Company article. Consider these questions below and dialog with me about this topic.
[ 1 ] When it comes to church, what will always change? What will also remain the same?
[ 2 ] What’s the difference between feeling the urgency that things must change and we must do it now and the assurance that this is Jesus’ church and nothing (not even the gates of hell) will prevail against it?
[ 3 ] How does this inform our church structures? How does this article not inform out church structures, and therefore we should be careful not to draw out too many conclusions from it?
[ 4 ] Where is the role of loyalty in a culture that is always looking to move to the next biggest, coolest opportunity? Where is the staying power? Is it “uncool” to stay with a place for so long? Is it smart to be flexible and adaptable or is it just veiled consumerism?
[ 5 ] What implications does the leap frog approach to careers have on the mindset of the people in our churches?
[ 6 ] The article states: “The vast bulk of our institutions – educational, corporate, political – are not built for flux. Few traditional career tactics train us for an era where the most important skill is the ability to acquire new skills.” Does this apply to the church as well?
[ 7 ] Should this mindset of adaptability that expects people to move around when new opportunities arise be encouraged in the Church – or frowned upon?
e-lectionary
So, how are those New Year’s resolutions going for you?
If you’ve set a goal to be involved in the Scriptures more deeply this year (and I hope you have) and are finding that you are stalling a bit, let me recommend a resource for you: the daily reading texts from the Moravian Church. These readings are the same reading texts/rhythms that were used by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (one of my heroes in the faith).
How it works: This resource is automatically emailed to you each morning. It’s a short email – and its free. I’ve been using it the past month and absolutely love it. It includes an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, a Psalm, two verses and a prayer. The digital lectionary.
What’s also been beneficial is knowing several friends are using it as well. It makes for good conversation with them to discuss the text (and to challenge each other if we’ve not read it for the day). It’s easy to sign up and subscribe/unsubscribe.
Using the lectionary may not be your thing – or maybe you’ve never been introduced to it before.
That’s my challenge. Try it for one month. One. Just try it. If after a month it isn’t working for you, then unsubscribe.
What’s on your to-don’t list?
For the past few weeks, I’ve been asking friends and respected leaders in various fields, industries, sectors and ministries this question: “What are you not doing that makes you effective as a leader?”
It seems that so much attention and focus has been given the past several years to what a leader does that makes them effective, but little has been done to explore what a leader refuses to do. There are so many good things out there to pursue, so many that they can actually distract us from our goal. If leaders aren’t disciplined enough to have a laser-like focus on exactly what they are called to do, it can lead to incredible ineffectiveness. Distraction is one of the worst enemies of a leader.
As Jim Collins wrote in his significant Good to Great, “Good is the enemy of great.” Another way of putting it, leaders must learn to “say no to the good things so you can say yes to the best things.”
Here are some of the fascinating and wise answers I received back from leaders when I asked the question:
- I’m not doing everything that people ask me to do – and I’m not feeling guilty about it
- Checking my phone or social media when I have “margin moments” in life.
- I’m not worrying as much about disappointing people, and I don’t forget that, at my core, I’m a craftsman
- I’m not trying to convince people to like me. I’m not working harder than my clients
- I am not micro-managing. People need to know that you trust them and that you have placed the ministry in their hands. They need to feel the full weight of the responsibility.
- I try to focus on results, and not whether people do things exactly as I would
- I do not seek to exert unilateral control through problem solving and telling people what they need to do
- Anything that others can do better than I can
- not trying to be who I am not
- I am not chasing every lead and opportunity, doing too much too fast, or doing everything myself
- blogging
- I’m not spending all my time trying to fix weak areas/groups/ministries. I’m not pouring my best time, prayer, effort, and wisdom into areas of ministry that want, or better - need to die.
- I’m not being everyone’s primary pastor, as good as it feels to be needed
- not micromanaging. I believe I need to trust my people and unleash them to use the gifts and skills God has given them
- Not trying to do too much; giving myself time and space to recharge, reflect
Leaders: what would you add? What is on your to-don’t list?
Easy guide to the federal debt limit
A difficult, but worthwhile investment of three minutes of your time.
I laughed – and I grimaced – when I watched this video.
You will, too.
I feel like I just got my bell rung. Does this ring anybody else’s bell?
Epic Fail Pastors Conference 2012: for failures, losers & screw-ups
It’s official.
Registration for the 2012 Epic Fail Pastors Conference is now open.
I’m excited. And I’m scared out of my mind.
A year and a half ago, I wrote about this crazy little idea.
And last April, we actually did it. We hosted this crazy event on failure. We hosted this event specifically for failed, failing and soon-to-be failing pastors, former pastors, ex-pastors, leaders and people who didn’t know who they were anymore. We called it the Epic Fail Pastors Conference.
After we announced we were actually going to risk it and try this conference experiment, I had people all over the place contacting me, encouraging us in this pursuit (while others told us that something like this would never work). The response was overwhelming. It was picked up in the Huffington Post, religion editorials across the country, newspapers in St Louis, Moody Radio in Chicago and elsewhere. We had 10,000 hits to the website within several weeks. We knew we had touched a pastoral nerve.
Much to our surprise, it didn’t fail. It actually worked.
In fact, it turned out to be an experience that I (and many others) will never forget. It was incredibly rich, deeply personal, tangibly significant space and sacred time. It was hopeful and saturated with grace and healing. Several pastors who attended said it was the most formative experience in all the years they had been in ministry (see some of the quotes from last year’s attendees.
Shortly after the event was over, the question arose. Everyone began asking the same question:
“So, when are you going to do it again?”
Honestly, at the time I didn’t know if we were even going to do it again. It’s a lot of work and time and planning behind the scenes. It involves a lot of logistics and details.
But after much prayer and discussion, we’ve decided it’s incredibly important to host again. Based on what we experienced and heard from people, we believe it was too important not to do it again.
And so, the Epic Fail Pastors Conference is happening again. March 22-24, 2012, to be exact.
Last year, we held the first Epic Fail conference in our community, Lansdale, PA a northern suburb of Philadelphia. The venue was a building that use to be a church – but failed (and is now a bar). But our creative team sensed it would be wise to shift locations. This year it will be in Mansfield, Ohio.
Ever been to Mansfield, Ohio?
Neither have we.
Why Mansfield, Ohio then?
With a conference like Epic Fail we sensed it was symbolic and fitting to avoid the sexy Christian conference locations of New York, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles or Portland (all good places, mind you) and instead host it in a unique yet unfrequented, “average” location. We also had a pastor who attended last year’s conference who was interested in hosting. It was so formative for him that he was passionate to make sure this happened again, offering to host it on his turf.
If you missed last year (or have never heard of the Epic Fail Pastors Conference, check out these other links:
- The very un-cool video where I explain what the conference is about.
- Further explanation of last year’s event.
- The opening video we showed to kick off the event.
- And the post-event reflections.
- I was asked by Duke Divinity School to write a reflection on what I learned from the process.
A few days ago, I told my wife at breakfast that I am more anxious about the second year of Epic Fail than the first one.
Why?
The sophomore slump.
I began to think: Anybody can do anything well the first time, but can you do it again?
Last year there were no expectations, no history, no real understanding of what it could be. It worked. And it surprised us. But now that people have tasted it and found it to be formative and significant and worthwhile, expectations appear. Expectations aren’t bad, but with it comes pressure when you do something a second time.
I began thinking, “What if it bombs? And what if nobody shows up? And what if it’s a waste of people’s time and money?”
And then it hit me: all the more reason for me as an insecure, anxious pastor who fears failure to host this conference again. In all its sweet and painful irony, it seems that this year – like last – the person who benefits the most from participating in a pastors’ conference on failure may be me.
Practically speaking, the cost of the three-day conference is low: $89 – and for a reason. Most ministry failures don’t have huge ministry conference budgets so we’ve worked hard to keep it at a level that is affordable. But, please: if cost is a problem, please don’t let that keep you from coming. Contact us and we’ll work hard to make sure you can make it. If you’re sensing that this important enough for you to attend, we want you here with us.
[By the way, if you live in Colorado and are unable to attend the National Conference at the end of March, there is a smaller, truncated version called the Epic Fail Roundtable that we are hosting in Colorado Springs Mar 2-3.]
Pastors: you won’t regret joining us in Mansfield, OH.
You are not alone. There are other broken ragamuffins trying to love and serve Jesus.
Join us and jump in to this messy and hope-filled aventure with us.
Will you be courageous enough to join me – and other failures, losers and screw-ups – looking to experience grace in March for the Epic Fail Pastors Conference?
“So, what is Kairos Partnerships?”
As many of you know, starting January 1st, I officially went part-time with our church and began investing the other half of my time starting Kairos Partnerships. We’re off to a great and encouraging start with both Renew and Kairos. I’m extremely grateful for the smooth transition and the excitement from all involved. It is truly a gift.
Here is a short video explaining what Kairos Partnerships is and what two questions helped bring it to life. I’d be honored if you took 3 minutes to watch it.
Pastors, leaders and church planters: if I can serve you in any way, shape or form, let me know. I’d be honored to walk alongside of you.
[ 12 ] Links that will change your life
Looking for some great free e-books? This guy has you covered.
We’ve all heard that Michael Jordan was cut from the varsity his sophomore year in high school. But is that really true?
Byron Borger of Hearts and Minds gives his list of the best Christian books of 2011. Well worth your time.
How to grow your blog with the Rule of 10. Interesting read for bloggers.
Ten mistakes leaders should avoid at all costs.
The most amazing waves ever surfed.
The distribution of megachurches in the U.S. Is it me or does anyone else see the disproportion in the Northeast?
If you live in Colorado, I would love to hang out with you during this event.
How would you handle it if someone heckled you during your sermon?
Islamic-Majority Countries top persecution watch list
The Missional Renaissance. Pastors: this is a good interview of Reggie McNeal worth your time
Does anyone use Boomerang for Gmail? (And is this the next Google Wave, Good Buzz or Google + ?)
The high-water mark of my ministry year
There are
dozenshundreds of conferences out there each year for pastors and leaders to attend, but there is one that I will continue to frequent each year: The Ecclesia Network National Gathering held in Washington DC each spring.Each particular year I am as impressed with the interaction with friends old and new as I am with the content and speakers. It’s not a smoke-and-mirrors production with thousand of people. Instead, it is a deliberate relational space for connections and learning and encouragement. It is the high-water mark of the year for me as a pastor and church planter.
In years past we’ve had speakers such as Dallas Willard, Alan Hirsch, Mike Breen, Jon Tyson, Eddie Gibbs and Dr. Darrell Guder (I write this not as to create an impressive list in order to wow you, but to articulate the importance Ecclesia has in learning from great thinkers and practitioners in the missional-incarnational landscape).
This year’s speakers excite me just as much: Dr. Ivy Beckwith, whom I interacted with for several days at a retreat in New Mexico a few years ago and was impressed with her thoughts on the spiritual formation of children and their families, Dr. John Perkins, a true legend who has contributed immensely to the racial reconciliation and community development discussions and Dr. A.J. Swoboda, someone I don’t know well but who I am continually more and more impressed and inspired the more I read what he writes and hear what he says. (To get a picture of who A.J. is, listen to this podcast which interviews him. This brothah is thoughtful, articulate, creative, poetic and prophetic).
The National Gathering lasts three days (Monday March 5 to Wednesday March 7) and the rates are fantastic. (In fact, several people have contacted me asking if its true if the cost of the event can possibly include room and board, conference fee and meals. By the way, the answer is yes). And this year, spouses are half price so as to encourage couples to attend (my wife is thrilled to be coming with me this year).
Check out the link and consider joining me – and others.
I would love to see you there.
Consider this your invitation.
The 17-minute Martin Luther King Day challenge
This morning, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I watched the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. It’s a practice I’ve tried to do each year since college.
And I want to offer you this challenge: sit down and watch the entire “I Have a Dream” speech, too.
It will take you a little more than 17 minutes, start to finish (and, hey, if you’re off work today you have time today…) Not only is this speech incredibly significant in the civil rights movement, Dr. King is also one of the greatest American orators in the past one hundred years. If you are looking for a great piece to read, make it a point to read “Letters from a Birmingham Jail” - where he takes other local clergy to task – boldly, compellingly and respectfully – for not speaking up for what’s right.
“I Have a Dream” is right up there as one of the most powerful speeches in the modern era. (As a practical exercise, just count how many metaphors, similes and descriptive illustrations he uses in such a short amount of time. It’s astounding and inspiring).
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