Glenn Ludwig has written the following words: Paradigms are a way of envisioning, ways of understanding things. History is full of examples of people and organizations who have gotten stuck in one paradigm, one model of understanding, so that they failed to grasp the significance of the new. There are several pointed examples:1. Western Union’s internal memo of 1876 concluded: “The device (the telephone) is inherently of no value to us.”
2. Decca Recording Company made one of the biggest blunders of the music industry when, in 1962, they said, “We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” They were referring to The Beatles.
3. Gary Cooper said this about a part he rejected for a movie: “I’m just glad it will be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” The part? How about the part of Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind.
4. Ken Olson, president and founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, said in 1977: “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
These are examples of people and organizations stuck in patterns of thinking which kept them from seeing, or hearing, or recognizing the new opportunity which was upon them. (Glenn Ludwig, Changing a Paradigm..or Two, pages 21-22). The church has been around for a long time! The 1966 ritual for Confirmation says of the church, “…the church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time…” It will be preserved because the church speaks a truth that is timeless and shapes its preaching and teaching in ways that are timely. The church doesn’t always do the same thing over and over again or limit its understanding to one model of ministry, nor does it negate new ideas. The church preaches an old, old story in a new, fresh way. The church conducts its business in traditional manner, but is open to new traditions. The church constantly works to recognize the new opportunities that are before it. In May, we participate as Merciless Methodists, and fight cancer while celebrating those who have survived this disease. Why not wear your T-shirt and participate in the Relay for Life on May 5.
Mother’s Day comes and gives us the chance to strengthen relationships with moms still living and to remember those who are now part of the Church Triumphant. We also should pray for those who find little to no joy on this day. Graduation time approaches and we will honor those graduating from high school and those receiving college degrees. We plan a new tradition for graduating high school seniors this year and will put a new twist to a time-honored tradition. Memorial Day will promise a chance to honor Americans who died while protecting this nation. It will be a busy month this May as we make our way toward June and the beginning of the “summer lull.” Maybe we can change that too by growing and expanding our ministry during the summer months. Think about it.
Ken