Rethinking Paradigms

A paradigm is the typical example or pattern of something. A paradigm is something that we accept as the “norm.” Since there is already a paradigm in every industry/field/business/realm, we tend not to think outside of it. The ironic part is that, what is currently the paradigm in your given area, was NOT the paradigm at one point in the past, right? This means that someone had to think outside of the box - the box of what was generally accepted at the time, to develop what is currently the norm now – and chances are, it came against a lot of criticism before the paradigm took it’s place as the accepted pattern in that field. 

In every industry there are paradigms, and in nearly every industry those widely accepted patterns could be improved upon. 

One of the best examples I can think of is something that Andy Stanley (Pastor of North Point church in Atlanta, GA) brought up in one of his talks. He said that an accepted routine/pattern in the American church is for the person who speaks every Sunday to be the person who leads the church. Isn’t that true? I suppose this makes a great deal of sense if the person who preaches every Sunday is a great leader. However, if the speaker is an excellent communicator and teacher, but only an average leader/visionary, the chances are more likely that it will be an average church than an excellent one. And it works both ways. A pastor could be a great leader/planner/organizer, but not great at delivering from the stage. What’s the answer to this? Video church? Co-pastors? I don’t know! Maybe there’s not one… but I do think it’s a great example of a current pattern or PARADIGM, that is worth being looked at.

What is that paradigm that everyone accepts without thinking in your field? We live in a culture of constant change. That pattern will eventually be re-thought and revised to be more efficient by SOMEONE at SOME point. So it might as well be you, now.