Decentralization « W. Davd Phillips

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The System

Friday, February 8th, 2008

We often find ourselves running from the system. The system creates for us an unbearable expression of authority, crying to be deconstructed and reconstructed. To do so would require the approval of those who operate the system and thrive in its authority. Deconstructing the system affects control. When you have fought so long for control, you do not easily give it up.

I found this past week a flawed system. It needs to be deconstructed and reconstructed. Power and control need to b in the hands of those who live within the context of the system, not those who hardly interact within it.

Being a systems guy, a macro-leader, and a believer in complexity (or chaotic systems), if I were asked my opinion of how to deconstruct the system, an opinion would be offered.

Posted in Decentralization, Leadership | 2 Comments »

Thoughtful Thursdays: Planning vs Preparedness

Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

Todays thought regards strategic planning, which has become prevalent in ministry. Some argue that strategic planning is way too CEO and corporate, though strategic planning is fading even in the business world. In addition, it can deter us from the move of the Spirit as we want to stick to the plan. It’s one thing to be prepared, it’s another to stick to the plan. Consider this thought:

If you want to know what happens to “planners,” check out the story of the 10 Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13. 5 were strategic planners, and kept “to the plan” and trimmed their wicks accordingly. 5 were Scouts – “Be Prepared” - since they had now way of knowing when the bridegroom is going to arrive. You always have to be in a state of expectation and awareness, constantly paying attention. And the ones who went to the party were the Scouts.

The strategic planners have one of the most horrid things ever spoken about anyone said of them: “And the door was shut.” The doors of the future are being shut to us because we think “planning” not “preparedness.”

Do you plan or prepare? Preparedness organic, an aspect of complexity or chaos theory. It is sensitive to the moving and wooing of the Spirit. Planning is wooden and rigid and structured.

Talk about that…

Posted in Culture, Decentralization, Quotes, missional leadership | 1 Comment »

Chat with the author of The Starfish and the Spider

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

I love the book The Starfish and the Spider. I blogged through the book this past summer. It is certainly worth reading. Recently, I received an email that excited me because one of the authors of the book will be available to us as part of a live vodcast, (that’s a video webcast for those of you in Rio Linda) with Spencer Burke. Here’s part of the email I received:

Join us for a free webcast this Thursday at 9pm Eastern (6 Pacific) with Spencer Burke and Ori Brafman, courtesy of Soularize.net and Shapevine. Come experience firsthand the content and technology of this year’s learning party!

Ori Brafman is a peace and economic development consultant and activist. He is co-author of indie business cult favorite The Starfish and the Spider, about leaderless groups and what makes them so powerful.

Spencer Burke is a “pastor alumnus,” author, speaker and founder of TheOOZE.com. In Thursday’s interview Spencer will talk to Ori about the Church that primarily running as a Spider organization in a Starfish world; together, we’ll investigate Starfish front-runners and Hybrids—can organic and institutional models can live in harmony?

You can ask Ori and Spencer question, take live polls, and more. We’ll pull your questions from the chat window and answer them live via streaming video. There’s no software to download—Mac AND PC compatible; use any web browser with high-speed internet access.

WHEN: This Thursday, October 18—at 6pm pacific/9pm eastern

WHERE: http://Soularize.net/feedlive. Just click the “Preview” button and you’re in.

This will be worth your time.

Posted in Decentralization, Leadership | No Comments »