Saddleback has equipped countless individuals to discover their "shape" for ministry. But there is a different kind of shape being overlooked by most church leaders today.

Do you know the shape of your church? Just like people, no two churches are alike. And just as it is important for individuals to discover and develop their unique contribution to the body of Christ, churches can be dramatically more effective by discovering and developing their unique contribution to the kingdom.

Consider for a moment how uniqueness permeates God's plan. No two snowflakes are identical. Each sunset brings its own dash of originality. Whether in the elements of nature, the workmanship of each human being, or every believer's experience of grace, God is never in the mass-production business. Somehow, through his infinite creativity and untiring genius, God delights in making things stunningly unique!

Yet often church leaders act as if there is a divine cookie-cutter out there for their church. Did God roll ...