Paradigm Shift:(part 2 of 2)

Thinking Inside AND

Outside the Box

Paradigm

Definition

– Dr. J. Robert Clinton

“A controlling perspective which allows one to perceive and understand reality.”

“Paradigms are like lens that determine how we see things.”

Paradigm Shift

Definition

– Dr. J. Robert Clinton

“The change of a controlling perspective and the perceptive result of that change so that one

perceives and understands reality in a different way.”

Paradigm Shift

Definition

– Alvin Toffler:

“A transfer of power; a deep level change in the very nature of power.”

“Only through a radical shift in our thinking can we succeed in this new era. It calls

for nothing but a complete break with tradition-bound ways.”

John Sculley

Former CEO, Apple Computer, Inc.

Biblical Paradigm Shifts

Before: The kingdom of God is external and political.

After: The kingdom of God is internal calling for transformation to see God’s rule in a life.

Before: There is no church and no one is sure what will happen next.

After: The Holy Spirit descends and the message of the Gospel is for all.

Biblical Paradigm Shifts con’t

Before: Paul cursed Christians and saw Christ as a cult leader opposing Judaism.

After: Paul saw Christ as the resurrected Lord and he loved Christians, spreading the Gospel to all.

3 Ways to View Truth / Reality

R

Rr

rrr

Naïve Realism

Critical Realism

Agnostic Realism

Naïve Realism Critical Realism Agnostic Realism

Only R r and R only r

Paradigms are important:

Strong personalities are often inflexible and need shifts for a breakthrough.

– Ex. Paul, Acts 9—Damascus Road

They jolt us into boundaries.

Paradigms are important:

They are the keys to boundary breakthroughs.

– Ex. Paul Acts 16:9

They are keys to solving power crisis.

They are the keys to ministry breakthroughs.

Examples of Paradigm Shifts

Ministry Flows out of BEING.

Begin with the end in mind.

Practice life scheduling so God can work in your life.

Work out a time line so you can be proactive.

Personality change

Examples of Paradigm Shifts con’t

Open to new opportunities

Doing to Being

New image of God

Characteristics of Inflexible Leaders

They have a tendency to plateau.

They tend to not be life long learners.

They tend to be naïve realists.

They do not perceive paradigm shifts very easily.

They tend to not finish well.

Kinds of Paradigm Shifts

Cognitive—deals with the concepts of new ideas, input.

Volitional—step of faith, commitment to something even when we do not fully understand.

Experiential—focuses on experiences which may impact volitional and cognitive areas.

Examples

From flat to round earth

From walking to wheel to motor to airplanes to space ships to docking stations

From hand craft to industrialization to information

Biblical Power Shifts From Power to Servanthood—John 13:1-17

From Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth—Acts 15:12-29

From natural to supernatural direction, from man’s idea to God’s idea—Acts 16:6-10

From Manna (provision) to possession—Joshua 5:12

Paradigm Shifts of Brenda Chand

Servant to Servant Leadership

Equal to fair

Witnessing to telling my story

Doing work to being child of God

Local to global

Individual to kingdom

Contemporary Shifts - Source: Church Next—Eddie Gibbs

From

1. Living in the past

2. Market driven

3. Bureaucratic hierarchies

4. Schooling professionals

5. Following celebrities

6. Dead orthodoxy

7. Attracting a crowd

8. Belonging

9. Generic congregations

To

1. Engaging in the present

2. Mission oriented

3. Apostolic networks

4. Mentoring leaders

5. Encountering saints

6. Living faith

7. Seeking the lost

8. Believing

9. Incarnational communities