Ridgell's Originals

So Marsha and I recently got to tour the Ben and Jerry Ice Cream factory in Vermont.  It was fascinating.  Free samples.  Got to watch a film that highlighted the three core convictions for their business. 

Make really good ice cream.  The best you can.

Treat your workers really well.

Use your profits to make the world better (as they define better).

That is a great business model. 

So as I often do, I thought about how that blueprint applied to the church.  And here is what I think.

Keep the main thing the main thing.  Jesus is the head of the church.  We are collective followers of Jesus making our way thru the world.  Jesus.  Not buildings, programs, or budgets.  Not even doctrine or ministry.  Jesus, Jesus, or Jesus.  The main thing.

Take care of each other.  We are family.  Provide for each other.  Financial support, meet emotional needs.  Pick each other up.  Pray for each other, speak truth.  Do life together.

Change the world.  And you do that by being on mission.  Make disciples.  That is what makes the world a better place.  Get more Jesus followers. 

So simple.  Not easy.  But simple.

Keep Jesus the core.  Take care of each other.  Make more disciples.