Could vs. Should

It’s like watching a wave roll across the ocean to see seemingly great ideas make their way through the church circuit. Tends to be a great deal of “me-too” going on these days when it comes to good ideas.


Church #1 thinks it would be very unique and oh-so “post-something-or-other” for the pastor to read poetry barefoot in a hemp robe and before you know it, the local doctor has pastors from Church # 2-5 lined up to get medication for the hemp-robe-rash going around town. It’s a viral reaction when we see a great idea and feel compelled to call it our own.


Yet, great ideas can range from distractive to destructive when we fail to consider the difference between “should” and “could” decisions. A great idea is only great if it fit’s the urgent and specific purpose to which our church is called, organized and inclined to pursue. A great idea that doesn’t fit the specific purpose to which you are directing your effort, time and prayer -- is not a great idea.


During the course of your planning, thinking, showering, driving -- you will generate thousands of potentially great ideas, but you must carefully remind yourself that you “could” certainly implement that creative aha (because after all, you are the pastor, no out of touch deacon could withstand the awesome power of this Wow of an effort) -- but, “should” you implement the masterpiece is the big question.


Ideas that do not fit your purpose, strategy or goals are counter-productive and time consuming. They often require additional expenditure to overcome their ill-fitting impact and momentum devouring force. As a leader your greatest contribution to your organization hinges on your judgment. Think it through. Don’t fall prey to the victimization of a great idea that is a “could” but not a “should.”