By Phil Print

Senior Pastor, Crossroads Church 

 

I read a book recently by Howard Schulz, the CEO of Starbucks (I'm preparing for my next job as a barista). One interesting note was that back in 2007, Starbucks had grown so fast that they came up with a more "efficient" way to make a cup of coffee. They did away with grinding beans in stores because it took too much time. Instead, baristas opened and used containers of already-ground coffee beans.

 

The problem? That wonderful "Starbucks smell" was lost. Grinding fresh beans on-the-spot gives off an amazingly pleasant aroma. What Starbucks did to grow bigger and move faster stripped each store of its tradition, heritage, and branding. They lost their trademark scent.

 

Not good.

 

As church leaders navigating through times of rapid change, we have to know what the "trademark scent" is of our churches. What makes us unique? What's the one thing we do best ... that gives off a pleasant aroma to those we're trying to reach?

 

Whatever that is, we need to work hard to preserve that scent. The other challenge is making sure that we don't have too many "scents" that conflict with each other. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

 

What's your main thing? At Starbucks it's coffee. Specifically, Pike Place roast coffee. There are a hundred other things but they all pale in comparison to that. What is it in your church? Once you figure that out, make sure you keep the main thing THE main thing. Narrow your focus.

 

Not easy. That's why Starbucks lost its way a few years ago. Thankfully, they found their way back. I say that, because I can't imagine a world without Starbucks coffee!

 

Monumentally more important, we who are in leadership in the local church need to make sure that our churches find their way. That our scent is strong. The world can survive without Starbucks (think Caribou, Dunn Brothers, Maxwell House, etc.) ... but the world is utterly doomed without Christ.

While you're hard at work launching fall ministries, make sure to include plans for your own soul care later this fall! NOW's the time to register for our Northwest Conference Ministerial Association Retreat, Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 10-12, at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria, MN-just two hours northwest of the Twin Cities off of I-94. It's also our "family reunion" time every year for rekindling old friendships and encouraging each other in our life and ministry together.

 

With the theme: "Developing Spiritual Vibrancy in Ministry," this year's retreat will have a different schedule from past retreats. It will be a time for replenishing your body, mind and spirit as we focus on character, and how not to be overcome or overwhelmed by various issues in life and ministry.

 

We will begin the retreat on Monday right at 1:30 p.m. with an hour-long opening session with Larry and Barbara Magnuson, our retreat facilitators and directors at SonScape Retreats in Colorado. You will then spend the rest of the afternoon in a time of guided personal reflection and rest in your personal room, outdoors or in secluded common spaces around the campus.

 

After supper in the beautiful Lake Café, Monday evening includes worship and a message from Larry Magnuson, as well as a communion service with reflections from Mark Stromberg, our conference superintendent. Tuesday morning includes another learning session, followed by fellowship and a time of directed small group reflection and prayer. Tuesday afternoon includes free time for rest, reflection and recreation; following supper we will gather again for worship and more learning, followed by fun and fellowship. We conclude with more worship Wednesday morning, a closing time with the Magunsons, and late morning check-out.

 

You have already received a brochure and registration form in the mail. You will also find more information on scholarships and a downloadable registration form on the conference website,  https://nwc-cov.org/affiliated-ministries/ministerial-association. We're looking forward to seeing you at this year's retreat!

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