Erwin McManus argues that to be effective as church planters or movement builders, we must value:
Uniqueness over standardization: The church is known for standardization. Discipleship shouldn’t be all about standardization. Jesus didn’t die for us to clone us all.
Creativity over utility: Rather than focusing on utility—getting things done—we need to pursue creativity. Rather than asking people to give their life to a vision, we need to call people to a visional community. We need to create an environment where dreams and visions are unleashed.
Diversity over homogeneity: We need to like people that are different than us. We want people to go to church with us, but we don’t want to live our lives with people that aren’t like us. Find a peer that’s different than you and earn their respect. Create space for leaders that aren’t like you.
Mysticism over pragmatism: People are becoming increasingly aware of their spirituality. But, people don’t view us as spiritual. We’re not losing the game because people are becoming too secular. People outside the church are becoming more and more spiritual. Yesterday was all about evidence that demands a verdict. Today we need to help people see the evidence of an invisible God and let them know that we’ve met Him.
Compassion over conviction: We need to help wrap people into compassion. The Holy Spirit convicts. We don’t need to convict. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. We don’t need to condemn the world. We are to be a movement of compassion. We need to love people. People without God are asking does love really exist? We need to live out the love of God. Then the presence of God will be undeniable.