Welcome back to the blog! If you are looking for a message of courage for organizations and churches facing fear in a constantly changing world, you are in the right place. Today, we are diving deep into a fascinating read: Rising Tides by Neil Cole.
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Neil Cole is one of the premier leaders in the global missional church movement. Born in Los Angeles, California, he dedicated his life to the gospel and has served a wide variety of congregations, from megachurches to rapidly growing organic churches. As the author of 14 books, he actively coaches leaders around the world and builds organic church networks. His latest work challenges us to rise up as an unshakable force, even if a second COVID-19 were to strike.
Here is a comprehensive look at the key takeaways from the book, and how we can apply its profound lessons to leadership, coaching, and even parenting.
Part 1: The Four Tsunamis of Exponential Change
Cole begins by identifying the “4 Trends of Exponential Change” that are actively challenging our modern society and traditional organizational structures.
- The Population Explosion: The global population has surged to 7.5 billion, with an increase of 4 billion people occurring just between the modern and contemporary eras.
- The Technological Tsunami: Technological innovation is rapidly altering the language and culture of our lives. We are becoming highly dependent on tech, yet our laws and social systems are lagging behind, leading to realities where personal privacy is frequently invaded.
- Growing Economic Disparity: The wealth gap is widening at an unprecedented, incomparable speed. Beyond just a lack of money, there is a phenomenon where the greed for wealth is capturing everyone’s hearts.
- Worldview Polarization: Political and social polarization is intensifying, which shakes the moral superiority of Christianity and points out the reality that the traditional church is no longer making an impact on society.
To overcome these challenges, Cole argues that we cannot maintain a 3rd-century Constantinian church model. The traditional church model faces significant issues regarding maintenance costs and efficiency.
Part 2: Upgrading Our Operating System
So, how do we survive and thrive in the near future? The book asserts that we must place a high priority on living as disciples in our everyday lives to bring about positive change in the world.
Cole points out a critical flaw: modern organizations lack a structure for making disciples. Instead of a “come!” structure, there needs to be a “go!” structure. The solution lies in the “multiplication movement,” which emphasizes the process of making and learning from disciples. If one person makes one disciple each year, and that disciple makes another the following year, this exponential growth can eventually catch up with the global population.
To achieve this, we need to upgrade our operating systems. Cole outlines characteristics of a system designed for multiplication, which include:
- Self-directed learning.
- Learning within a community.
- Simple and repeatable methods.
- A horizontal leadership model that empowers all people.
Part 3: A Coaching Perspective on Horizontal Leadership
As someone deeply immersed in the world of organizational leadership and coaching, chapter 10 truly resonated with me. The book emphasizes horizontal leadership, which perfectly aligns with the horizontal relationship pursued in coaching—a process that emphasizes growing by finding solutions for oneself through powerful questioning.
I believe coaching can serve as a vital solution to the future roles of organizations in addressing social challenges. In fact, I have conceptualized a “BEING Coaching Program” designed to enhance resilience, specifically focusing on the value of existence. The core philosophy of BEING stands for:
- Belief: Trusting oneself with a positive self-image.
- Exploration: Exploring life in a different culture.
- Interaction: Interacting smoothly and joyfully with diverse people.
- Navigation: Hoping one’s life heads in the right direction.
- Growth: Recovering with a healthy mind and growing through difficult situations.
By introducing coaching into communities, we can provide opportunities for people to form mutual relationships, help each other grow, and become beings worth multiplying.
Part 4: Leadership at Home and the Next Generation
Reading this book also prompted deep reflection on my role as a mother. Raising two boys in today’s climate requires a specific kind of leadership. How should I demonstrate leadership at home?.
A mother’s role is incredibly significant in planting God’s vision in her children. Millennials and Gen Z are entirely accustomed to rapid technological changes, yet simultaneously, they are craving spiritual parents—a profound insight I gained from this book.
While most mothers want their children to succeed in various fields, this shouldn’t just be secular success; it must be spiritual success and stability. Mothers must help their children understand their calling within God’s kingdom and exercise leadership that acts as a fertilizer, empowering them to go out into the world and participate in the multiplication movement. We need to guide them so they can achieve balance across the many aspects of their lives.
Final Thoughts: Riding the Wave
Everything is changing, but God is immutable, and the gospel remains good news. Our security may be shaken, but Christ is the same today, tomorrow, and forever.
Cole reminds us that while this era is a time of crisis with massive waves rushing in, if a simple multiplication movement rooted in fundamental identity begins, it is not a crisis but an opportunity for a new leap forward. We must discover our unique identities, enjoy security in Jesus, and become beings worth multiplying.
If you are a leader, a coach, or a parent trying to navigate these turbulent waters, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book.
Let’s not fear the changing tides. Let’s research and practice these methods, be grateful for this precious time, and imagine ourselves smoothly riding the waves!.
Until next time, keep growing and keep leading!
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