The Value of Un-Learning, Part 2

Last week, we presented the concept of un-learning. (See part one from a couple of entries ago.) Today, I want to give you a few of the ways I’ve been trying to un-learn.

1. Ask yourself great questions.

We live in a world that processes lots of information. Rarely do we reflect upon great questions. One of the values of thinking through great questions is that it challenges the patterns of thinking and behaving that often go unchallenged.

Look for, write down, and think through great questions. It’s time-consuming, sometimes painful, but always helpful.

2. Learn from the “New Kids on the Block.”

No, not the band. Learn from those who are new in your field or profession. For example, Buckhead Church was one of the first video, multi-site churches in the country. While it certainly makes sense to learn from those who started before or around the same time as we did, I’m becoming more interested in those who have started video, multi-site churches in recent months.

The “new guys” to your profession have new approaches that you might have overlooked. For example, a couple of weeks ago, our leadership team met with Pete Wilson and Jenni Catron of Cross Point Church in Nashville and Dickson, Tennessee. This week, we will meet with Tony Morgan and Howard Frist of New Spring Church in Anderson and Greenville, South Carolina. These churches, along with Elevation Church in Charlotte, Revolution Church in Canton, and others are on my radar screen to study. They are challenging my thinking on a number of fronts, helping me un-learn and then learn again.

3.  Talk less. Listen more.

Enough said.

4. Identify your assumptions . 

Last year, the North Point leadership team had a great discussion about the assumptions we have made about our churches. We came up with a long list and walked through each one of them. One of the items we discussed involved worship. One of the assumptions we have made, and many other churches have as well, is that people enjoy standing and singing. Many do. I do, in fact. But not everyone does. And while worship is incredibly important, it is a mistake to think the only form of worship is standing and singing. My point isn’t to question whether we should sing in church or not. My point is that when you identify your assumptions, it usually creates great dialogue. It forces you to see differently. This is part of the process of un-learning.

There are many more, but I’ll leave it at that for a while, unless you want more.

Thanks!

Jeff 

5 comments

Take a look at some of the responses we've had to this article.