Brian Sanders, an expert on microchurches, dives into the transformative ideation phase of establishing these communities. He shares best practices for answering the call to start a microchurch and highlights the critical role of commitment in turning ideas into reality. Sanders discusses the connection between personal calling and community engagement, along with navigating justice and grace in community work. He encourages listeners to shift from ideation to action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in faith-based initiatives.
The ideation phase of microchurches is crucial, emphasizing that even a mere concept can initiate a journey toward community creation.
Understanding personal motivations through introspection helps prospective leaders connect their calling to a broader theological narrative of redemption.
Deep dives
The Importance of Ideation in Microchurch Development
The initial phase of microchurch development is characterized by ideation, where an idea is birthed in an individual’s heart and mind. This phase emphasizes that even having just a concept is sufficient to pursue membership in a supporting network, as this marks the beginning of a microchurch journey. The discussion highlights the philosophical approach of considering a church to exist from the moment an individual declares their intention to lead it, similar to how a business is born from a founder's vision. This focus on ideation underscores the notion that the initiation of action, even without tangible outcomes, is a significant step towards fulfilling God’s calling.
Exploring the 'Five Why's' Concept
Understanding the underlying motivations for starting a microchurch involves delving deep into personal 'why's,' which often leads to broader theological concepts like eschatology. This method, rooted in industrial problem-solving practices, encourages individuals to explore their reasons beyond surface-level explanations. By continuously asking 'why,' one connects to a larger narrative, recognizing that their efforts directly contribute to God’s ultimate plans for redemption and restoration. This introspective journey not only clarifies one's calling but also ties individual motivations to the hope of the eventual reconciliation of all creation.
The Role of Origin Stories in Microchurch Formation
Origin stories are crucial for microchurch creation, as they provide the foundational narrative that explains how an individual felt compelled to start a microchurch. These stories often emerge from personal experiences, shaped by trauma or significant life events, which resonate with others who have shared similar journeys. This shared narrative becomes a powerful tool for inviting others to join the microchurch effort, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. By exploring their origin stories, prospective leaders can effectively identify and recruit partners who resonate with their calling.
Transitioning from Ideation to Action
Moving from ideation to action is vital in microchurch development; it requires tangible steps that bring the concept into the real world. This transition begins when individuals actively engage with the community they feel called to serve, marking a significant shift from abstract ideas to practical implementation. Such efforts often face challenges, including failure and rejection, which are inherent to the process of iteration. Embracing these realities allows leaders to learn and adapt, reinforcing that true growth happens through actions and attempts to connect with others.
In this next series of Microchurches, we talk with Brian Sanders about how microchurches often begin, and what the ideation phase often looks like. You will learn best practices for answering the call to start a microchurch, as well as why this sacred process is such an important part of missionary life.