What about when the group is wrong? What about when God gives you a vision to do something-like the Prophets? Were they wrong for standing against the “collective wisdom” of their community? And final question-what about the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about change?

I agree, I’m a big proponent that decisions made at the local level are far better than those left to federal government. Thriving and active communities are key to this, if they don’t participate the system is doomed from the start.

@ Akshay,

You touched on a great point, being an active member in the community is very important for startups, but sometimes overlooked. I wonder if anyone has ever done a study of how the success of a startup is effected by how involved in the community the founders are?

A lot of businesses actually start out with “demand” and do so through fulfilling connections within the community. Religious orgs, interest groups, vendor-sponsored parties are so important to the development model, but so easily forgotten.

I think the reason is because its intangible. Creating spreadsheets, briefs, workflows is tangible, presentable material, especially in the short-term. Long-term community building is much more difficult to put in your boss’ lap for him to appreciate. Right now, its treated as the “cost of doing business”. You gotta get it done so you can get back to real work. Whereas the real work is really about connecting your employees around a central theme, getting them to meet others who believe in your mission. Your product will sell itself if you have the right relationships.

We waste too much time analyzing the status quo when we could be out in the community talking about a better future.

Pardon my politicizing but taking a big picture, I think we as a nation are going too far toward consequence avoidance. By putting all our ills in the hands of big government to fix, we have taken accountability out of the local community. We don’t associate the taxes with our neighbor’s alcohol habit, but welfare funds that habit.

Left to the local community, especially faith based programs non-government funded philanthropy puts accountability at the local level so the plumber, the mechanic are the ones answering the needs and are ensuring their good gifts aren’t abused. They might even offer on the job training to someone. No 35 levels of administers to push paperwork until the check gets to the needy. Just our little back door ministry to help those neighbors who need some guidance and a strong hand to help them discover their worth.

It’s so true, much of Christianity is goes completely against the patterns of the world. Must be why it strikes such controversy, haha!

@ Mike,

You’re right. It’s such a fine line between being independent and staying connected and often America pushes the individualism route a bit too far. I think there’s nothing wrong with being able to do things on your own, it’s just that all of us have weak areas the we need help with, no matter who we are. There needs to be balance.

@ Ankesh,

Your last statement hits the nail on the head. Individuals can do a great deal, but communities multiply the outcome.

@ Lee,

Great wisdom about the need to set the right goals. I agree that it is a necessary part of change moving you in the right direction. Will be checking out your blog!

@ Asithi,

You’ve discovered a great truth. Having community to help you through life is much more efficient. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when you can just ask someone who has been there and done that.