How To Change An Institution

I came across an interview with Seth Godin a guru from the marketing world which highlights some neccessities in bringing about change, in forming communities and the role that ideas play.

In condensed form:

• "Start by living the change, by being responsible for the change and by not waiting for someone else to give you permission. No one ever made change in a meeting."


• People embrace stories - thus mastery over such a skill will prove valuable in ministry and within an institution


• "A community is a group of people who spread ideas... and who like (or at least know) each other. Without ideas spreading, there is no community."


• Catering to local needs - means providing respect and responsibilty that people want and need.

These seem especially pertinent given the following quote from a Starbuck’s District Manager: “We have identified a ‘third place.’ And I really believe that sets us apart. The third place is that place that’s not work or home. It’s the place our customers come for refuge.” —Nancy Orsolini, District Manager

I am was both curious and awed in that Starbuck’s seems to understand the nature of community and refuge.
Where people used to run to the church for that “third place”, they now run to Starbuck’s.

Perhaps it’s time for a field trip, to discover what Starbuck’s knows that we don’t. Because I firmly believe that the missions and missional churches must become and be a “third place” of safety, refuge and community. It’s in finding that identity that will enable missions to impact that changing world around it.