Podcast Episode #382
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Rarely do people push back against conventional wisdom. But as we share today, maybe they should.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Don’t assume conventional wisdom to always be truth.
- When someone at a church says “We can’t do that because it’s in the bylaws,” that is not always the case. And if it is, bylaws can be changed.
- Most policies are implemented to idiot-proof an organization.
- Leaders often use conventional wisdom as an excuse not to lead.
The five problems we discuss are:
- Conventional wisdom is not always conventional
- Conventional wisdom is not always wise
- Conventional wisdom often has sketchy history
- Question things that have no documentation or authority
- Don’t do stupid. but don’t hold back
Episode Sponsors
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?
Why Christians shouldn’t relay on conventional wisdom?
Answer:
Due to our fallen world along with being clothed in flesh, man, in order to validate his/her misguided words and actions as leaders when speaking to their followers or partners may fail to align with the wisdom given by God the Father and Jesus Christ (this is only due to a lack of a Transformed Mind); And therefore, make choices to use “conventional wisdom.”
So called conventional wisdom that is used by many leaders is only for the purpose to help man validate use of old-fashioned ways to separate people, acts of being a conformist, traditions (which are usually welcomed by the majority (or those with power or money), what is considered safe or plausible for those in position of power. Lastly, let me just say, after slavery in the United States and the misplacement of Indians or Hitler’s killing of the Jews, any one that confesses he/she is a Christian leader, should only seek out their need and understanding of wisdom through what the Father and Son has provided for those called to lead the pilgrims here on earth.
A bad analogy but ministry is like medicine. Ask any doctor worth their salt and they will admit that there is nothing textbook about treating a patient – once people are involved medicine becomes a series of “rule-outs”.
In ministry, at least in the spiritual realm of ministry, “by the book” often misses the mark. Conventional wisdom works for some things: finances, accounting, business practices. But conventional wisdom misses when dealing with the messy life of faith. For instance, my past and my experiences shape how I perceive God; if I’m given an illustration about God that doesn’t fit my experience it takes time to digest and make sense of the illustration.
I love the observation that “Most policies are implemented to idiot-proof an organization” because that’s true. But policies should not be made and left unchecked. We periodically review our policies to make sure they still function in a way that makes sense in our present context.
Agreed. We may format a policy, but a change in location, church polity, or any number of other things can make the policy completely out of date and contrary to the mission.