Unorthodoxy in Reverse and Way to Go, Jerry!

Here are some random thoughts, connected in a strange sort of way:

The Stanford University Marching Band makes me smile when they perform. Their unorthodoxy and uniqueness make them special. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtILHALcUN8

Have you discovered your own personal unorthodoxy, individuality and uniqueness? If not you should, because that’s what makes you special. Without it there would have been (would be) no Salvation Army. And look at the publicity (good and bad) that it has generated historically.

Resistance to change (orthodoxy) is scary. “Orthodoxy: Not independent-minded; conventional and unoriginal.” Crystal Cathedral is an example of unorthodoxy in reverse. Take a look:

http://losalamitos.patch.com/articles/crystal-cathedral-will-s

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/18/142518963/future-of-ministry-uncertain-after-cathedrals-sale

http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-day-the-crystal-cathedral-died-62568/

It’s unwillingness to change – power struggle between family members – shades of 1929. Resting on your laurels is a dangerous thing. Crystal Cathedral to Catholic Cathedral, talk about unorthodoxy in reverse.

The recent Dallas Cowboys Half time show featuring The Salvation Army rankled a few of the saints because it was unorthodox and seemingly secular in its message.

http://www.enriqueiglesias.com/profiles/blogs/enrique-performing-for-the-dallas-cowboys-thanksgiving-halftime-s

Jerry Jones is known for his unorthodoxy, and an avid supporter of TSA, his perception being that the organization is independent-minded, unconventional and original. Way to go Jerry, thanks for your confidence in us and for your continuing support. Besides, who was it that said…

There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary.

There are more important things to get rankled about… like unorthodoxy in reverse, for example. Ask Jesus about that.

JN

ABSURD!

Steve Court has an interesting post up over at www.armybarmy.com - November 13. I’m not too sure about everything he says, but a lot of it resonates, especially the part about COS, CS and DS roles. I am firmly convinced, after suffering through several of these chairs, that they should not be a means to an end, but rather an end in themselves. A gifted Chief Secretary does not a gifted Territorial Commander make. Good managers do not necessarily good leaders make, as has been well documented.

I’m also inclined to question his minimization of a one-time TC or DC. I’m predisposed toward the role of Corps Officer as critically preparatory for leadership in any eventual command leadership position, especially if experienced in a multiplicity of corps shapes and sizes. Therein lies the litmus test of successful leadership – success at the grass roots level. DS, CS and COS, while essential roles, prepare one to be a manager, not a leader. Good leaders surround themselves with managers. It would be absurd to think that good managers surround themselves with leaders, but that absurdity does exist.

Think about it. Every officer beyond a certain age level is eligible for nomination at the High Council. Think with me hypothetically for a moment: MBA Degree, 5-years experience in a secular profession, SFOT (better yet, field commission), 30-years very successfully leading corps (corps plant, medium size, 5-years combined school/corps in India/Africa, 10-years large, multifaceted corps command). Now 60 years old. Seems to me the perfect recipe for a two-term International Leader with retirement at age 70 (If you prefer to throw in a 3-year term as TC, Ok by me). Culturally impossible, perhaps, but not absurd! Think Steve Jobs.

And that person would really get it, wouldn’t she? And he would be a great asset to her, wouldn’t he?

JN

Impossible is Nothing!

Matthew 20:17

I was a Cadet in San Francisco on February 25, 1964 when the then Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) defeated Sonny Liston for the boxing heavyweight title of the world. I sat in the lounge listening to that fight on radio when Clay first proved to the world that “impossible is nothing.” I love his now famous quote referencing the same:

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

We just finished an Officer’s Retreat in New Zealand and wish I had shared this quote with them because it fit the theme so nicely. Now here’s a territory I would have delighted to serve in. There is a freshness of spirit, a willingness to spread wings and attempt something new – no fear! After all, this is where bungee jumping made its debut, isn’t it? Extreme sports a natural here. Extreme evangelism a natural fit. I would be tempted to use the term “out-of-the-box” to describe the spirit of this territory, except…

I never use the term, “out-of-the-box thinking” because with God boxes don’t exist, nary a one to “think out of.”

Out-of-the-box thinking is nonsensical,

It’s absurd, boring, silly and whimsical

Would God be accused of thinking such?

Alas, He wouldn’t have created much.

Boxes non-existent with the all-seeing,

Boundary free when ‘bringing into being.

No old boxes when creating you:

“Behold! I’m making everything new.”

Interestingly, the “All Blacks,” New Zealand’s rugby team had just edged out France for the World Cup one week prior to our arrival. It was All Blacks mania everywhere, and we got caught up in the excitement. One of their slogans: “Impossible is Nothing!” Didn’t Jesus say something like that? And certainly with more mountain-moving credibility and life changing power than Muhammed Ali.

This is the spirit we sensed amidst the officers in this exciting, forward-looking, boundary less territory:

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!

Radical Mission!

Just completed a retreat time with a dynamic group of officers in the New Zealand Territory. The mission statement for this retreat was as follows:

"Our aim is that the Fellowship will be a time of inspiration and vision with officers returning to their appointments having experienced a fresh encounter with Christ and reignited in their passion to be radical agents of missional change."

The Biblical Context: Acts 1:8 (JNV) – Jesus’ last words to his disciples (includes us), His last (always fresh) encounter: "I’m out of here. What you'll get in my place is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit grabs hold of you, He will ignite a passion in you like never before. And you will be become creative agents of radical missional change, even to the ends of the world." Disciple: Definition - A creative agent of radical missional change. That’s how I define it, and have tried to live it. Not A mish mash agent of missional mediocrity.

We focused on the words, Chaos, Creativity, Change, Compassion, Controversy and Christ (The Great Commission). Kudos go to Rod Carey and his team for putting it all together so liberatingly. Compliments go to Don and Debi Bell for their empowering leadership… and for hosting us so graciously.

Below is copy of the commitment card distributed in the final session: