Friday, September 29, 2017

Fight Gravity

Astro Studios, a branding and web design firm, is on a mission to
"fight gravity". These pins are to remind employees of the mission. 
The firm calls it a "pin for the win". 
I believe that some of my best teachings in church leadership come from secular sources. I appreciate many of the leadership books that I have read that are targeted toward business or non-profit organization leadership skills. Authors with leadership experience in multiple fields offer a perspective that stretches me beyond my own perspective. In addition to books on leadership, I read articles online and check out magazines that specialize in leadership trends.

For years I have followed news from Fast Company, a magazine that covers business and marketing trends, highlighting excellence in innovation and ground-breaking creativity. Recently, I read an article on fastcodesign.com, "Eight Design Principles to Live and Die By." (September 26, 2017)


The article lifts up the work of Brett Lovelady, founder of Astro Studios, a web design and marketing company. Lovelady shared that the "mantra" of their company is "fight gravity". "For us, fight gravity means to passionately and aggressively pull away from mediocrity. You're fighting against the expected forces of mediocrity. It's easy to do what's expected. How do you do more than that?"


Astro Studio's founder suggests that an organization fights gravity by first, pursuing the unknown with energy and purpose. Second, by exceeding expectations whenever possible. And third, by looking for opportunities to create something new, even when working with existing products and programs. 


What would the work of the church be like if the followers of Jesus Christ committed to "fight gravity"? What would happen if, in the name of making disciples, we "passionately and aggressively pulled away from mediocrity"?

I've heard it said that for many years church membership in our denomination has meant a commitment to "attend worship a little, give a little and serve a little". While I am continually inspired by the ministry of the faithful, there is some truth to the observation. For many, "doing church" the way we've done it for decades is good enough. Despite massive cultural shifts in our society, there are those who believe that doing the same thing, even as leadership grows weary, will make the difference. With low expectations, we come to accept mediocrity in the mission and ministry of the church

Through Vital Church Initiative, a renewal project that Brighton First undertook in 2015-2017, our church has been pushed to stretch beyond mediocrity, carefully evaluating our mission and ministry and refusing to settle for "good enough". I have found that this is challenging, yet life-giving work. It is very hard to fight gravity.

The good news is that there are people who passionately want others to come to belief in Jesus Christ and to grow in faith. At Brighton First they serve in worship, faith formation and mission ministries. Our church leaders on our administrative teams desire that our church rise to excellence so that those who encounter our ministry are moved to know God, love God and serve God.

Today, we critically evaluate each worship service looking for moments of connection, transformation and transcendence. We ask mission and outreach team members to watch for God working in their ministry and lead evaluations of their mission is complete. I believe that we are growing a cultural foundation that will not settle for mediocrity. The stakes, making disciples for Jesus Christ, are too high.

I give thanks for the leaders and servants of Brighton First who are pursuing excellence, working to exceed expectations and, by God's grace, fighting gravity.

No comments:

Post a Comment