My friend, Eddie Johnson, who’s Lead Pastor at our partner in Nashville - Cumberland Church, has blogged a few times about being a “franchise” of North Point. His latest comments just got picked up for discussion by Monday Morning Insights. Makes me cringe and smile every time he uses that word. It makes me cringe because franchise sounds so soul-less. Makes me smile because I know Eddie’s heart and his motives are nothing but noble and God-honoring. Oh yeah, and when you get beyond the initial aversion to a church being like a franchise, he’s right.
Believe me, if we were simply “franchising” North Point, I couldn’t do this job. I couldn’t stand before God and be a part of something that was only replicating systems for systems’ sake. We are, however, trying to export principles that have been shown to reach people and bring them closer to God. In that regard, we are very intentional. Eddie’s written about this much more than I have. Check out the link above and see his comments. Let me know what you think.
Hi, I'm Scott and this is my bio attempt. God has a sense of humor... I work at a church. That's not the path I figured coming out of grad school, but when He called, thankfully I didn't try to win a battle of merits between my plan and His. So, how'd that play out? Well, in 2001 I left commercial real estate and went on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. This place captured my heart the first time I walked in the doors. God, thanks for letting me do this for as long as you let me do it!
Thanks Tank! I appreciate the support and the insights bro.
As you said, my heart and passion is NOT in “franchising North Point”…it’s about creating environments where lives can be changed, forever. I know that you share that same heartbeat as well.
My hope in all of this is that the conversation will turn from “franchising” to “systems”…because at the end of the day and after all the hype, that’s all it is. It’s about systems. I think we as church leaders focus so much on the “doing” of ministry, that we forget or get too busy to think thru the “how” of ministry. Looking forward to the Drive Conference in May where I know we’re going to unpack this some more. Should be great.
Thanks again for your friendship and all your support from the “Home Office” Tank! (Sorry! I just had to say it. :>)
Eddie
Local Store #59430
I think it’s a conversation the Church needs to have. If Eddie provokes it, then it’s a good exercise for us and for church leaders willing to grapple with the issue.
I just wish the critics could know Eddie’s heart and Andy’s heart and the reality behind this phenomenon that is North Point Ministries. No matter how big or how many cities, it’s still about connecting one person at a time to their heavenly Father. And that’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of.