"Imitation can be wiser than innovation. Far better to be EFFECTIVE in ministry than original. The humble learn from others."
OK. Let me start by saying that I’m all for effectiveness in ministry. That isn’t the part that makes me catch my breath. (Of course, we have to agree on what we mean by effective, though, don’t we? What are the results we’re looking for as church leaders? Check out my post about three different types of results churches measure.)
The part that stopped me in my tracks and makes my blood pressure begin to rise is the suggestion that imitation can lead to true effectiveness. Doing the hard work of discovering your unique calling and then learning how to release that calling is the foundation of true effectiveness for God’s kingdom.
God didn’t create us on an assembly line. You and I are not the same person. We’re not called to do the same things the same way. Simply because something works for you does not mean it will work for me...or that it should work for me. Copying vision from others is usually a symptom of leadership laziness, not humility.
Is it pride to believe that God has a unique role for me in His plan?
Is it pride to believe that a spark of Divine Creativity lives inside of me, waiting to be released?
Is it pride to believe that God placed you at this unique place at this unique time with your unique combination of skills and resources...for His purpose?
I absolutely believe in learning from the experience and expertise of others. But there’s a difference between learning and imitating, isn’t there? When we learn, we internalize principles and then do the hard and important work of applying them to our specific context. And in that process, we are personally changed. Imitation does not lead to transformation. Being a leader in the church of Jesus Christ requires a dynamic mix of teachability, courage, creativity, patience, humility, skill, and persistence...among many other things. It’s hard work, but it’s what we’ve been called to do.
I could go on about this all day, but let me conclude with this thought. You are already an original. It’s too late. Please don’t settle for trying to be someone that you’re not. Be who God created you to be and invite others to do the same. That, I believe, will lead to your most effective contribution to the kingdom of God.