For the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of working on the creative team here at Willow Creek. As an artist and project manager, my job involves cultivating groups of people and casting vision around weekly projects meant to move people toward redemption and restoration in our services. The creative process is daunting, often difficult, and always takes strong leadership.
So when the Summit comes to our doorstep every year our team relishes the opportunity to sit alongside you, our colleagues from around the world, to learn and grow.
Of all the amazing ideas discussed today, there are two thoughts that stood out to me that I’d love to share with you.
The first is from Andy Stanley regarding the art of tension. He explained that when it comes to the tension between teams, people, ideas, and theology even, it must be managed rather than simply solved. The point in keeping the tension present is not to prolong pain, but rather to provide a platform for growth.
The tension is good, in fact.
When we find ourselves in the midst of tension in our teams and organizations, instead of swaying to one side or the other too quickly in order to rid ourselves of discomfort, Andy encouraged us to, “understand the upside of the opposite side and understand the downside of your side.”
May we hold this tension well.
And yet holding the tension will mean nothing if we aren’t doing so with a greater purpose. Jim Collins spoke of what keeps organizations from failing in the midst of great adversity. Of the many reasons he stated, one leapt out:
“There must be a reason to endure.”
As you contemplate your work in your organizations and as you consider the late nights, long meetings, and the sweat and blood it costs you, at the end of the day there must be a reason to endure.
The reason I endure is for that beautiful moment when a person comes to understand that they can finally let go and stop running.
Tell us why you endure…
By: Blaine Hogan (@BlaineHogan)
Blaine Hogan is the Experience Engineer at Willow Creek Community Church. He creates sacred spaces using sound, visual, and performance art. He blogs at blainehogan.com also you can follow Blaine on twitter.
I endure, because GOD has not released me from the mission that he called me to. Everyday I am called to stand in the gap for hurting families.
ReplyDeleteRunning a faith-based non-profit is not for the weak or the faithless...daily divine intervention is necessary to carry us forword. Its tough work, its beautiful to be a light during a dark place in someones life. Domestic Violence is a terrible issue in the lives of so many in my community, and around the nation,world. GOD gives me the strength DAILY -sometimes in the most amazing ways...whispers the answer or who to call that might have the answer to a resource for a family I am working with. An air conditioner, a tire, a lawn mowed..diapers, or food and clothing...May times I have not known how to accomplish what the need of a family was...But GOD....HE did and that is why I endure...for the moments when it all comes together, and I know without a doubt that GOD used me to comfort another of his children.