GlocalNet

Recently, I’ve been involved in several different things where language was huge.  We are doing some new discipleship things at NorthWood - we are trying to come up with a common, clear, concise language.  I was at Georgetown University speaking at the Common Word conference where we were trying to understand each other in relation to Christian & Muslim.  I’m involved in a small group of global pastors where we are trying to learn globally from one another.  I met with a couple of major organizations where the key focus is the mobilization of the masses to engage society in domains.  Here’s what I’ve learned. . . .

1.  When leading others.  A lot of our language isn’t concise until we start to lead others - when it’s just us - ain’t no big deal - but the moment others begin to follow - clarity is everything to be sure we are moving in the same direction and to keep us from derailing down the line.  Vision clarity requires simple communication.

2.  When truth is at stake and future actions are determined.  Pick carefully what hills to die on - too often we fight over words and concepts that are secondary.  At the core, we have to ask the question, what is truth, and how is it lived out - that makes the use of language everything.

3. When trying to simplify things and make it accessible to all people.  Vocabulary for leaders doesn’t mean keep it stupid- it does mean keep it simple, explainable, where it can be explained to others. 

4.  When creating new vocabulary.  Creating new vocabulary is better than redefining old concepts.  If the old concept is needed, just state it in its most simple form - but if people hear things differently you are better off using new words.  (BTW all movements have their own language).

5.  When seeking to understand something.  Experience drives vocabulary.  Where you were when you experienced something and the language of those around you determines a whole lot of your perception of things.  This is good and bad.  Good in that something good happened, bad if that something is defined by an old term or an inaccurate term.  There are things in my life I experienced - but it was a few months, if not years afterward, that I really understood what had happened.  What I first explained, was not correct - the experience was real and impactful - but the language inaccurate. 

6.  When looking at cause and effect.  Is the cell church, house church, simple church, about not having corporate worship with the masses in a building (as many would say) or is it about something far more fundamental - i.e. disciple-making, community, etc.?  I believe it’s the latter - not based on U.S. conversation, but global Christians conversation.

Language matters - and to a guy like me that’s very intuitive, that’s very hard.  It sometimes slows me down - and I don’t like that.  But the difference is, thinking long-term beyond your life, like Abraham, or living just for your life - like Americans!