The second key is PEOPLE.
You can get to places and have experiences, and this is a great step toward seeing the value in other ways of doing things.
But when was the last time you cultivated a relationship with someone who is outside of your stream? Who is the last person you reached out to who actually excels in the opposite methods you do?
It says in Proverbs 27, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (NLT). Something happens to us when we build relationships, especially those that feel uncomfortable because they are forged in the fire of disagreement, instead of in the comfort of commonality.
The final key is PRODUCT.
Today, we have great access to all kinds of media at the touch of a button.
However, we are usually looking to reinforce our own ideas and positions on issues. We aren’t usually googling for ideas from the opposite side of the argument.
Reading books and blogs, and listening to podcasts from the opposite approaches to ministry will help you develop a broader perspective, and help you become BOTH/AND in your thinking.
Ultimately, I believe a major key to thriving in ministry lies within your ability to live and minister from this powerful BOTH/AND approach.
Do you find yourself on one side of an extreme? Are you ready to embrace more than you thought possible? Don’t be afraid of the “shades of gray.”
I don’t advocate leaving your core values or discarding your vision, but I do believe your ministry will only be enhanced as you are strengthened in your perspective of BOTH/AND. Join me, and thousands of others, in this movement toward BOTH/AND leadership.
Check out Benny’s new book: BOTH/AND: Ministering In Between Life’s Extremes
