What is code? It’s a difficult question. We can talk about code as the essence or soul of a church. We can talk about what code does, which is to shape the face of how the church displays itself to the world. Under the radar, code shapes our vision, values, and mission. It subtly mirrors our symbols, stories, and history. It is difficult to define because it is invisible, like the air we breathe.
But perhaps code is most easily understood when things are out of alignment, when something isn’t right. In fact, a church incongruent with its code is the single greatest cause of conflict I see, and it creates far more damage than clashes over personal differences, worship styles, or even most theological differences. Incongruence can prove to be highly destructive.
Incongruence is the disconnect between what we say and what we do. It is commonplace, almost expected, in our culture. For example, when Sears launched “the softer side of Sears” campaign, it landed on deaf ears. Why? Because when people think of Sears they think of tools and appliances? Not nightgowns and dress suits. It didn’t fit their code. Healthy churches have a clear sense of identity. They know their code. And they don’t deviate from it.
That code gives a church a sense of collective personality and uniqueness; it defines each fellowship as one of a kind. Transforming churches work hard to bring their operating culture into alignment with their code.
Unfortunately, too many churches fall prey to formulaic approaches, becoming McFranchises of something else.
If a Quarter Pounder, fries, and Coke taste as good in Denver as they do in Dayton, then why can’t a sermon, drama, or outreach from Charlotte work just as well in Tacoma?
Or so goes the thinking. And simply adopting the Next Big Thing exposes a number of negative unintended consequences, as the church:
– Slides toward mimicry, which inhibits true community;
– Stumbles without a unique way to bond people together in shared ministry;
– Loses the critical ingredient of local context to focus a church;
– Depersonalizes ministry as leaders spend all their time keeping the machine running smoothly.
The tendency to import church models and styles in an attempt to reach the same results contrasts with God’s desire for each church to stand unique in its own cultural context – to live by a defining and aligning code.
Read the entire article, “Cracking the Code,” in the summer 2007 edition of Leadership. Click here to subscribe.
