Can the Church learn from Apple? Consumers know that Apple makes high quality products, evokes deep customer loyalty and promotes a strong brand image. Apple continues to see increases in market share for its phones and ipad divisions. In January of 2012, Apple released its official 4Q earnings, stating that the company has $97.6 Billion in cash on hand.
So what can the Church learn from Apple? On Monday, March 12, 2012, London's English Standard Newspaper interviewed Sir Jonathan Ive, Apple's Senior Vice President of Industrial Design. Ive is asked about Apple's philosophy of product development and his views on what makes a successful product. The Evening Standard's Science and Technology Editor asks Ive for his thoughts on Apple's competitors and why they don't measure up to Apple's standards. The answers that Ive provides are thoughtful and wise, calculated and full of insight into Apple's culture.
Reading this interview through the lens of a pastor, I think that Apple has a lot to teach the Church.
Here are a few thoughts.
1. Think systems... It is easy to segment Church life into different categories, all acting independent of each other. Apple's philosophy is to think systematically from the initial idea, to design and prototype to the finished product. I wonder how the Church could be more effective, if it thought in terms of systems vs independent silos.
2. Look for creative ideas to address simple issues... Creativity breeds confidence in your congregation and inspires others to think in non-traditional ways. Unity arises when an idea germinates into a specific plan.
3. Find people who are willing to be wrong... Seek out those who don't mind challenging the status quo and those who are willing to go out on a limb. Making mistakes means that you are trying to solve a problem and the willingness to be wrong indicates a healthy Church.
4. Knowing when to pull the plug and when to see the problem as an opportunity... This is a difficult one for Churches as programs easily become institutionalized and the, 'that's the way we've always done it' mentality takes root. Wisdom is needed to discern when a problem exceeds the effort given, and when a problem is an opportunity for growth.
Read the interview and comment on what you think the Church can learn from Apple... I would love to hear your thoughts....