Where The Sidewalks Have Already Been Tread

I can't remember where the story originated...

But a college president built a campus extension and didn't install the sidewalks. His reason? He wanted to see where the students naturally walked... and then add the pavement. In other words, the sidewalks already existed. He just needed to wait and see where.

You can't overcome social convention.

These are small examples... but my favorite smoothie shop, Tropical Smoothie, is actually called Tropical Smoothie Cafe. In fact, the word "cafe" is the most prominent part of their logo. Yet I have never heard anyone call it by its real name. Society has essentially re-named it. Same goes for Cheesecake Factory. I've never heard anyone call it by its rightful name, "The Cheesecake Factory."

Great churches are built on social movements that already exist. The Gospel spreads by social movement. And some of the most promising church plants - with lots of money and staff - have failed because they missed this principle.

I spend an entire section of my forthcoming book on this subject -- coming in April.

Comments

[DisneyCyndi]

Ha, I had to go back and check but sure enough I used the little T in "The" Cheesecake Factory in my post. Never even thought about it. LOL

[Vince]

Wow. Needed to hear that.

Very reaffirming.

Now how do we share the thought with leaders who don't get it?

[Bill Kennon]

Looking forward to the book...