I have been transitioning from coffee to tea. Today the family was comparing two brands of green tea- Tazo and Yogi. The clear winner for us is Yogi. I always enjoy reading the story and vision behind a product I like. In this case I found the Yogi Principles an interesting example of a defining core.
As you read these principles, consider whether your life or your ministry could be summarized by a few values, guiding principles, or distinctives. The greatest obstacle to do this is having too many. Oftentimes ministries will have multiple lists of statements with 6-10 things in each list. Remember, it is not as important what you call your core (be creative) as long as you boil it down to six or less ideas. In other words you don't want to have a list of both 8 guiding principles and 7 core values. That's 15 things total which is 9 more than you should be stating. Your vision will stillbirth if you don't distill.
As I read Yogi's principles I could help thinking of a retranslation for the local church. So enjoy both lists:
Yogi Tea Principles
- Tasting great is essential but not enough
- We think before we blend
- Health is found in nature
- Creative combinations can optimize what nature has to offer
- Whenever possible we work with wholes not parts
Yogi Church
- Great worship is essential but not enough
- We think before we program
- Health is found in community
- Creativity and innovation can optimize what church has to offer
- Whenever possible we lead the whole church body not just parts