Saturday, January 13, 2007

The Snow Ball Effect


The Snow Ball effect is simply MOMENTUM. Momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. It can be an incredible, unstoppable force. Right now there is momentum at Grace Church (Lititz, PA) where I'm on staff as Worship Arts Director. What do I mean by momentum?

Here's what I mean:

There is a lot happening here (mass). There's lots of people coming...just about double over a year ago. There's lots of people taking next steps.

There is addition happening to the existing mass (mass added). These new people are taking next steps toward Christ. As a result, they move deeper into their relationship with God...and in turn invite others to join them. They are investing in, inviting, and including others.

Things are moving faster and faster (increasing velocity). Grass isn't growing under our feet. We are moving quickly to keep up in helping people take their next steps toward Christ. We sett up more chairs. We add staff. We help new people connect to God. We help existing people deepen their faith.

What did we do to create this effect? While I could give you many human answers - like slick promotion, innovative use of technology, creative biblical illustrations, and the like. But the real answer is because God allowed it. We don't generate momentum. It's ultimately God's snow ball effect.

Is the snow ball effect good? It is if you can:
  1. Keep up with the momentum, instead of drowing in momentum.
  2. Move with the momentum, instead of resisting the momentum.
  3. Prepare for future momentum, instead of stopping with present momentum.
Once you got it, how do you keep it? Except for what has already been revealed in scripture about the future (see current message series at Grace on this subject), humans can't predict the future. So if only God knows the future, we can only pray for wisdom from God to guide us. Specifically, we can ask God to show us how to best capture the opportunities that will allow us to be the most effective for His kingdom.

How about you? Do you like snow? Or do you prefer the sunny beach weather? It's easier to get a tan than to shovel snow. I don't know about you, but I'm praying for snow!

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