Too strong?
Michael posted this over at “Behind The Leaf”:
If the name of your kids ministry comes from Northpoint, and your series graphics are downloaded from Lifechurch, and your mission statement is a slightly modified version of Saddleback’s, and your website is a template, then you don’t have a vision.
Too strong?
UPDATE – Michael left a comment here and he has since updated his thoughts on this blog. There is some really good discussion happening over there! Go check it out.
Yes…I think it’s a bit too strong. The truth is, there is very little originallity in ministry (and that’s not really a bad thing) – The idea is that you glean certain things from other places…things that fit the needs of the community you are trying to reach. We do Kidstuf (from Northpoint) – and it’s having a profound impact on our community…was it an original idea, no…but reaching the families of our community IS part of our vision.
We run a ton of projection (5 screens) on Sunday mornings. Our environment is very inspired by Granger. Again…it’s not original, but creating a relevent, inspiring and culture driven environment IS part of our vision.
I could go on and on here. The fact is, we need to learn from one another. If you’re doing something creative and fresh, I want to see it and experience it. If any part of it would help us fulfill our vision, then I’m going to use it. :)
Perhaps I could clarify the original post, because I’m not arguing that everything has to be original. I’m simply stating that perhaps EVERYTHING shouldn’t be borrowed.
We borrow ideas, get inspiration from graphics, and learn stuff from TONS of awesome people and churches, so I did not mean to imply that originality was the goal.