INVESTING THOUSANDS FOR MILLIONS
Have you heard it said, “Put your money where your mouth is”? This old phrase proves true in many aspects of life, as well as in leadership. For those who are not familiar with this credo, it means making a physical (or monetary) investment in whatever you espouse to be important. We more readily believe a person who practices what he preaches, right? On the contrary, we distrust the worker who criticizes others for not doing their part, while he himself shows up late, wastes time, and gives minimal effort. We appreciate it when a person or organization backs up a belief with action!
You as a leader know your mission. And you occasionally speak of it to those inside and outside your circle. Do you think that they see your effort to fulfil this mission? Have you personally put your money where your mouth is? While there is a myriad of examples of people throughout the ages who have successfully done this, consider a specific group of people over several generations that backed up their words with action.
Christian leaders on mission have had the same goal since the resurrection of Jesus Christ – to share the love, truth, and hope He brings. Key Christian individuals realized that they couldn’t simply rely on a once-a-week sermon to fulfil their mission, so what did they do? They used whatever means available to quickly and widely broadcast this message. They were there at the onset of the printing press, radio waves, television, virtual broadcast, and multi-site presentations, using these strategic means to accomplish supernatural ends. Though these media were new at their own times, this group of leaders saw the value of investing in innovation to accomplish their mission. The impact from using these mediums is still felt today.
Here's the point: In order to not fall behind in a changing world, you must invest in change. New platforms, new marketing, new training, new methods – not for the sake of finding something new, but for the sake of using strategic tools to stay ahead of the curve or at least in step with changing times. You’ve seen companies adapt to grow, haven’t you? And you’ve witnessed those that don’t adapt wither. You see the connection, right? Investment in the future requires adapting, and that investment will cost you something. Put your money where your mouth is.
One modern Christian organization that illustrates this concept well is Churchome. They invested thousands of dollars in technology to film, edit, produce, and broadcast their worship and teaching services to reach millions of people, as opposed to spending millions of dollars to build a bigger building to reach thousands of people. The vast majority of churches spend 99% of their staffing dollars on in-person gatherings. You can’t have a massive impact online when you spend 1% of your staffing resources on it.
Churchome, however, directed funds to where their mouth proclaimed a unique mission. What they have produced is astounding, as well as their reach across the globe. Achieving your mission requires adaptation and investment.
The fuel for growth is both internal and external. Is what you believe on the inside materializing on the outside? It is worth some reflection…