centralized-distributed growth

Yesterday, I watched a really interesting VideoCast at BloggingChurch.com in which Terry Storch chatted with two guys (Pastor Craig Groeschel and Bobby Gruenewald) from LifeChurch.tv. First, let me just say that it was an interesting experience to compare listening to the interview and watching the interview; there is just something about being visual drawn into a conversation that really communicates just a bit better than audio at times.

However, the meat of what I found interesting was the way that LifeChurch developed over the years. Being in a part of the country where often the answer to growth is to build a bigger building or build a new addition with a bigger auditorium, it was refreshing to hear about a group that broke out of the cycle. Since they couldn't keep up with the numerical growth, they embraced spiritual growth and technology. Rather than construct buildings, they spun off "satellite" groups - find a space, put together a pastoral team, and use technology to keep connected: webcast the Sunday message from the senior pastor, convert the webcasts into audio and video podcasts, use the Internet to embrace a geographically distributed yet connected community and at the same time provide rich, personal content. It was also refreshing to hear a group that was recognizing the impact their Internet presence has had, and continue to march down that road towards providing a true online community experience. Also, the fact that they recognize that even though it may make certain members - including leaders - uncomfortable, the younger generation needs to lead the way in uncharted territory because that's where they need to go with the Message.

I may have entitled this as centralized-distributed growth but I actually think the approach LifeChurch is taking could lead to more of a de-centralized, distributed pattern of growth. A situation where many regions are providing leadership on a global scale, each shepherding a pocket of satellite communities. Essentially, imagine the Catholic church hierarchy, but without the rigid structure and pope (i.e. no individual leader who sets precedent, other than God/Jesus). Each level, from local community to global outlook, would focus on ensuring that information flowed to where it was needed and needs on that level were being met. However, connecting every level to every other level is the communication glue of a centralized set of tools (an internet portal for lack of a better example). That centralized portal provides every person the opportunity to tie into the global community, perhaps read stories from local communities around the world, chat with people from other communities, or even provide feedback and ideas that could help shape the future of global ministry. One Church and one community, yet built upon many, each working towards the same Kingdom goal but in individual ways. And in my utopian view, nothing would prevent this global network of Christians from coming from different backgrounds - Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Congregational, Lutheran, Evangelical, Church of Christ, Orthodox, etc - except their own choice not to participate.

Well enough vision-casting and theological daydreaming for now (even though I have a really great analogy of a technical nature that I would love to extrapolate on and sketch out, which I'd probably lose a lot of people with)... Cheers!