Exponential. It’s a word I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I think sensing a shortness of time makes me think this way. You know . . . the time you thought was unlimited at a particular stage in life now seems very dear . . . very limited. That thought moves me from thinking arithmetic to thinking multiplication.
When it comes to life impact, multiplication matters. It’s what Jesus called us to be . . . multipliers . . . exponentially reproductive followers. And that’s why a book entitled “Exponential”* caught my attention . . . the authors propose that my friends and I can start a missional movement. Last I checked that’s what SWCBA is supposed to be . . . a missional (exponential) movement. Hmmm.
According to the authors, leadership – reproductive leadership – is a key. And reproductive leaders need four relationships: they need followers, apprentices, peers and coaches.
Peers and coaches are my focus for the moment. Why? Recognizing the value and role of peers in our lives is the uniqueness of association. We – peers and colleagues – acknowledge the value and practice the application of mutual coaching to reach mutually held mission objectives . . . exponentially.
We encourage and correct each other . . . we pray for each other and share best practices . . . we reveal our challenges and speak into the challenges of others . . . we guard each other and cherish accountability . . . we commit to results and not just activity. And in our relationships, we accept the calling to invest in others and receive investment from others who share that calling. All the time, we’re moving each other toward exponential impact . . . not 4 + 4 + 4, but 4 x 4 x 4 . . .
No lone rangers in the Lord’s exponential strategy . . . only peers and coaches who understand exponential impact is a “we” reality. It's the reality of effective association.
*The book referenced is “Exponential” by Dave and Jon Ferguson; Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2010. It's a good read, particularly if you're in the process of rethinking how you do ministry. | 
