10 Things Churches Could Learn from Apple

Why, thank you, Thinker! You made my day.

I keep checking back to see if David got his iPhone. Pray for me, please.

This conversation is pretty exciting conversation & a great list all around. I think the new generation of churchgoers is perhaps more interested in service and innovation than the last one… And culture change happens so fast these days that one person really can make a big kingdom difference.

5) Thrive on word of mouth. Let the message be carried by disciples more than leaders.
I agree. I think one of the best two ways to do this is are:
Exist in the middle of the marketplace—the alternative is retreat. Second, (and more importantly) living out the love of Jesus in service. This transcends just big events like 9/11 and Katrina, to include the day-by-day random acts of kindness. I think the church as an organization to could do a better job of sharing best practices and creative ideas in a more open source format.

6) Trust that people know their own needs. Let the ministered lead the ministry.
I think the idea is small groups here. I go to a 1000+ person church in DC and small groups make all the difference. Although could certainly include a lot more in the direction of church facilitated self-organizing groups.
(even though that sounds like a bit of double-speak)

7) Remember what you're good at and do it.
Be authentic. Be real. Push for the stars. Steve Jobs comes out to do his keynotes in casual clothes.

8) Resist jealousy- listen to those outside the church with genuine curiosity, as Apple does with ideas that originate outside the company.
Listening is HUGE. Listen to successful companies, successful non-profits, and successful churches and adapt them to serve God in your context.

9) Resist arrogance- embrace change. As Jesus teaches, let the dead bury their dead.

If everything is experiment and beta then failure isn’t as much a possibility. If people criticize beforehand, “its just an experiment.” I think constantly updating iTunes and the iPod are an example of this. Seth Goodin calls this phenomena "zooming"

10) Come with cool accessories.

Cool bibles, t-shirts, arm bands, and other sweet schwag? I think that genuine relationship, community, and convesations are the killer app in both church and life. Period. I think the aforementioned are only good in so far as they facilitate those three core principles.

I would dare suggest:

11) Collaboration
12) Stay positive & Learn from your failures

Apple hasn’t been known for doing the best job here, their early partnership with Digital didn’t exactly do anywhere. However, since the failures of the Digital deal, even partnering with Intel and Microsoft has proven to be incredibly successful. In fact, their partnerships in the area of desktop publishing made them what they are today.

Peace out,
Nate