Envisioning Cultures

As I walked through the University of Louisville's campus this morning saying "good morning" to every student I passed, I realized that none of them were saying anything back to me. I think I got one eyebrow raised at me by a guy who just looked scared. I don't know if it was my fleece vest I was wearing or the shock that I was walking with a buddy actually speaking to him rather than walking with one ipod ear bud in, and one out, or better yet both in. This is not the culture I envision. This is actually contrary to the culture I envision. I hope to see people talking with people early in the morning over coffee. I hope to see young couples holding hands and building each other up rather than beating each other up. I see a multitude of people with raised hands in the morning and at night praising the Creator God who saved us from certain death. I desire a community of people characterized by mission, values, and heart that is sold out to making Jesus King in their culture. But then it hit me; if you want to change culture, or create your own, you have to meet your target people where they are at. This is a very basic leadership principle: customize your culture vision to the people you are trying to rally. This can be done in so many different ways. It can be done through the space where you rally your people, like Starbucks, Panera, or concert venue. Maybe its in your basement, thats up to you. It can be done through the music that goes through the air while your people come together, it can even be done in branding whatever it is you hope for, that is, t-shirts, Facebook and twitter plugs. But here is the key to increasing your platform of influence on the people you wish to rally: Stay faithful to God. Stay faithful to God and HE will increase your platform of influence. I am very much looking forward to writing my thoughts, questions, and the pieces of life that amuse me into this blog for your motivation. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Stay faithful,
Luke