Long-term efforts

In the chapter of Culture Making (Andy Crouch) today that I was reading, Crouch makes some interesting points.

The one that stuck out to me was his point that it takes a long time and a lot of work to effect a lasting change. Spectacular events and short term programs have little long term effect, whereas persistent, patient, long term work results in long term good or change.

It struck me, because I think we need to work like this within the church and as Christians. Instead of putting all our effort into short term programs or once-off events, we should think long term - building relationships, working towards larger goals etc. This is not to say that once-off events are bad things, but we can surely increase their impact if we use them as culminations of long term processes.

For example, later this year we have a chance to hold a evangelistic jazz concert. Now according to Crouch, this is likely to effect little long term change. What if though, we were to make this event a culmination of a long term process? To start making non-Christian contacts now, to start having these discussions about Christianity now and over the next few months. Perhaps this way we can effect longer lasting change?

It is worth noting however, the flip-side of this rule: that is, it takes a long time to effect positive change (ie. create something good), but a negative change (ie. destroying something) can happen very quickly.

So we should be careful to not effect negative change, even through our smallest actions, and we should think long term when it comes to effecting long term positive change.

By the way, I'm really enjoying this book. I recommend it.