Contagious Ethos

For many the word ethos might be a new word.  In the theological world we use it all the time.  It’s a Greek word that describes the atmosphere, culture, environment of a particular group of people, a community, organization, and yes…even a church.  BridgeWay Community Church has established a contagious ethos over its nearly 10 years of existence.  Those who speak of BridgeWay speak of it in terms of being captured by the spirit, the mood, and atmosphere of this community.  This is awesome, but this doesn’t just happen.  BridgeWay has been strategic in implementing a set of core values and strategies that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit create that “atmosphere” or ethos that has been captivating for so many. 

To ensure the continuance of this contagious ethos, we must again and again be reminded of the core values that BridgeWay has established as the bedrock on which all ministry takes place.  For those that have called BridgeWay home for years, these values run deep in their veins.  For those of us that are new, we might have experienced them, but it is often helpful to name them as well.  For the next few days, I am going to walk us through the core values of BridgeWay Community Church to ensure that these values are maintained even as we transition together into the next chapter of our ministry together. 

1.)     Intentionality:  What does this mean?  Simply stated, it means that BridgeWay is picky.  We are picky about what we do, when we do what we do, how we do what we do, and even the words we use to explain why we do what we do.  Too often in churches things get thrown together.  People with good hearts quickly put something together last minute for an event, a service, or ministry.  Don’t get me wrong, God can use stuff that is thrown together.  However, we believe that every moment someone spends with us at BridgeWay is vital.  Every moment is an opportunity to spread the contagion of the gospel.  Sloppy planning, poor implementation, and unwise words can be hindrances to someone hearing the message they need to hear or experiencing God in ways that can transform lives. 

Therefore, we work hard to remove all obstacles and hindrances.  We try to ensure that everything that occurs from Leadership Community to the announcements on Sunday Morning is done purposefully.  We believe that there are many good things that a church can be involved in, but not every good thing is our thing.  If we can’t ensure that what do can be done and maintained with an intentionality that sets us up for one of our other core values, excellence, we don’t do it.  We are intentional about the songs we sing.  We are intentional about our leadership development and apprentice programs.  We are intentional about the money we spend.  One of the ways to ensure the continuous nature of a contagious ethos is to make sure that we constantly ask ourselves the question about the intentionality of our actions.  Anything we do that fails the intentionality question must be revisited, refined, or tossed out altogether.  These are often difficult decisions.  However, the damage done by sloppy planning and poor implementation far exceeds the necessary changes that come with faithful tweeking and deliberate action.