Stanley on Introducing Complexity

This is from Andy Stanley's, 7 practices of effective ministry. I think what he points out is true of our organization. This quote courtesy of Jeff Martin – part of the Crusade regional leadership team in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

"The shift toward complexity is usually subtle, and it's rarely intentional. Passionate leaders introduce innovations; persistent members promote their agendas; new programs are established; traditions are born; new ideas are added to old programs. And over time the ministry begins to lose its focus, and the church becomes paralyzed by its inability to purge itself. (italics mine). Ministry becomes diluted because it is flowing in too many directions. Years of adding and never subtracting have created layers of programs that all feel necessary."