Monday, April 21
It’s all about creating a culture…
As I traveled through Orlando this morning, on my way to a little disc golf, I was enlightened once again by that ESPN theologian Colin Cowherd.
Colin is always entertaining, and always thought provoking when it comes to commentary on culture. His rants on Reality TV, Bill Belichek, and the fact that Serena Williams and Ricky Williams are the same person are legendary. (Wait, sorry…that last rant would be mine)
This morning he was talking about coaches and how the great coaches are the ones who ‘create a culture’.
The Lakers’ Phil Jackson was his primary example today. Jackson, Cowherd says, has somehow ingrained in his team this concept that ‘passing is cooler than shooting’ (which is a supreme accomplishment when Kobe Bryant is on your team). He used this example to explain why the Lakers destroyed Denver yesterday in the playoffs. (I actually think it had more to do with the fact that Denver plays defense like the Harlem Globetrotters)
This ‘creating a culture’ is an obvious foundational piece of church planting.
At Crossings, our desire is to ingrain, to establish in our DNA, the ideas of valuing leaders like they’ve never been valued. Investing in them in a way that changes them and the community of which they are a part. We have made reproducing a normal part of every vision discussion, whether it’s small groups or other faith communities. Our desire has been to create in this community the culture of ‘entering into the story of God’ every day of our lives, allowing His Word to change us, to make us whole…not just so we can be restored, but so that shalom can come to this entire world.
I absolutely agree with the Reverend Cowherd…it’s all about creating a culture…
Mark Nelson at 4:57 PM 4comments
4 Comments
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at 7:34 PM
said... Hey Mark,
I agree that Colin is a keen observer of culture. He's made some points over the past few years that have stunned me in their accuracy and relevance. I didn't hear today's show but his assessment sounds spot on.
The other thing I'd note is that those "winning cultures" in sport are usually very positive and affirming cultures. Many would say that the positive part is a product of success but I think any deeper investigation will reveal that a "winning culture" has to be established before any winning starts.
Which is sure hard to do if you haven't won anything yet.
Thus, the power of positive, visionary and faith-filled leadership. Indeed, faith is the victory that overcomes the world.-
at 8:39 PM
Mark Nelson said... Randy,
It's good to hear from you...hope all is well in the little corner of Hoosierland...
mark-
at 10:05 PM
said...
How did you make it through this post without mentioning Bruce Pearl?
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at 10:39 PM
Mark Nelson said...
Greg...good point. My bad.