Will Mancini

I got an e-mail from Alltop alerting that my blog was now listed under the Christianity section.

I am…

• Diagonal to Donald Miller.
• Just right of “Don’t Eat the Fruit” blog which is  thoughtful look at the nature of technology in life. The guy is a Dallas Theological Seminary student (my seminary) and has his first book coming out shortly, From the Garden to the City.
• Above the “Greater Seas” blog which is a well designed site that looks at the intersection of Christian faith and business.

The BEST part of being on Alltop: I have been jealous of Ed Stezter’s Alltop badge, so now I can have one on my blog too.

The WORST part of being on Alltop: When my wife Romina saw the categories, she was more interested in “Chile” category (her home country) which is right above the “Christianity” category. Oh well.

I want to express my appreciation to you for connecting with my blog. Thanks for the comments and encouragement along the way. May God give you grace to discover clear vision for your life and ministry and the courage to follow Him into a better future.

If you have not been to the Alltop site take a look around!

Last Sunday, I worshipped with a a 6-month old church called Neartown, planted in the heart of Houston.  Russel Cravens skillfully ended his message, not with a plea for church membership, but a call join as mission partners.

But this language is not the move of church planters only. Well established churches like St. Andrews in Newport Beach, California are evaluating their language. Another example is the regional force known as Christ Fellowship in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a process with them two weeks ago, they passionately refused to call their folks “volunteers” out of preference for the meaning that comes with the role of “partners.”

What about your church?

Sure, we are so well entrenched in the language of church membership, you make think it’s absurd to ask. And after all, isn’t the idea of “church membership” biblical? Paul does use body imagery to boldly remind believers that,  ”so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Rom. 12:5).

Despite it’s historic use and the viable connection to make with the Scriptures, I think its time for a shift. In fact, I think most churches would benefit dramatically from flushing the terminology of “church membership.” I recommend the change for one purpose: to make the mission of Jesus for His church more  clear and concrete in the hearts of our people.

Here are five reasons to start. You help me build the list!

#1 Membership is culturally hijacked terminology by its use from country clubs to platinum cards. Partnership is a term that carries less baggage and brings new metaphors biblically.

#2 Membership may emphasize privilege to the neglect of responsibility. Partnership emphasizes both.

#3 Membership could bring deeply rooted assumptions about church in general that are no longer valid for your church. Partnership creates an opportunity to reset expectations.

#4 Membership is a static. Partnership brings a sense of both action and direction.

#5 Membership is a relatively small portal for vision-casting. Partnership opens a dynamic metaphor range for future-orientation, impact, togetherness, adventure and risk-taking.  It captures the “sentness” of a missional reorientation.

Have you made the move yet?

If so, drop me a quick note to share what language you use.

Today, Romy and I will spend the day on the Brandywine River, on stretch that I would float and fish as a kid. I love the way the river brings unexpected surprises with many familiar experiences. From the curves and currents to the sounds and smells, this portion of the river will be deeply familiar.

Yesterday we worshipped at the church I attended in high school – The Willowdale Chapel. It was quite an experience since I had not attended there in over 20 years. Under the leadership of Greg Lafferty, the small Bible church has grown from two hundred to around on thousand in worship.

It was at the same time, totally new and totally familiar.

Think about that for a minute. Don’t pass the idea by quickly. Our most meaningful experiences in life, in some cryptic way, usually fuse the new and old.  But many times in our leadership and vision we exclusively chase the new as we strive for the “creative next.”

G.K. Chesterton wrote about the ideal human experience of simultaneously being on a wild adventure and experiencing the delight and safety of home. New and familiar. He pictured a man who left England thinking he had sailed around the world to find some new exotic land. In fact he had sailed around the world only to land on the shores of Britain again. For a moment this man experiences the shear delight of the totally new and the radically known at the same time.

While on the Brandywine I will be near the home of legendary artist Andrew Wyeth. I studied Wyeth’s work years ago to better understand his visionary genius as an artist. My favorite sound bite of his teaching went something like, “Most artists want to find something fresh to paint. Frankly I find that quite boring. I would much rather find fresh meaning in something familiar.” Wyeth would touch the world by only painting his immediate surroundings.

What’s the principle? In your search for something new, don’t think that meaning is found in the new alone.

With the rush of old and new in my life this weekend, I want to encourage you to appreciate this fusion.

• In your storytelling
• In your vision casting
• In your next staff meeting
• In your prayer time
• On this Memorial day
• With your family and friends

I am excited to announce the promotion of what has been a “underground marketing team” for the last seven years. Auxano Design is a group of creatives who are dedicated to communicating your vision visually.

In addition, I am pleased to announce that Tim Peters has joined the Auxano team to champion Auxano Design’s unique approach. Tim brings a great deal of experience and creativity in church branding and communications. With Auxano he will both lead navigate and represent our design services with new and potential ministries.

Over  the last seven years Auxano has helped many influential churches with brand development, guidelines and communications.  It was always “under the radar” because we did not want to eclipse our vision work and “clarity first.”  Essentially our team only worked with churches who had gone through our Vision Pathway process. Now, having firmly established our brand in the vision and clarity space, Tim will take Auxano Design to the next level with on-site assessments, communications strategy and coaching.

Take some time to welcome Tim by connecting with him at:

TimPeters.org or follow him on twitter: @timrpeters

It’s always exciting to be at the Exponential Conference. This year Auxano is providing a Vision-casting and Culture-shaping track. If you are going to be there here are some highlights to know about from the vision and clarity angle:

1. Join me and Eric Geiger for a Pre-conference track on How Organic Vision Shapes Culture and Creates Movement. Swing by portable AP1 and say hello to the team.
2. You’re invited to a special After Hours to meet the Auxano team, check out the first release of the Church Unique Vision Kit and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. We will be talking about how to lead your own vision process. (Doubletree Hotel, 5780 Major, Blvd., Orlando, FL)
3. Meet some new players on our team. In addition to Eric Geiger, Bill Donahue, Tim Peters, David Saathoff, and Bryan Rose have all joined the team in the last year and will be either speaking at or attending the conference.
4. Learn more about the launch of Auxano Design. Tim Peters will be available to talk with you about the connection between vision, branding and communications.

I hope to see you in Orlando this week!