Just got out of a session with Len Sweet. What a brilliant mind. He likened cultural changes like post-modernism and post-Christianity to a perfect storm. And he challenged us to quit complaining about the weather. Here are five navigational principles he shared:

1) Launch into the deep. Our natural tendency is to run the other direction when a storm is headed our way. But the ships that get destroyed are the ones that hug the harbor.

2) Steer into the storm. I think this is what Paul did in Athens. He didn’t back down. He stepped up, walked into the areopagus, and went toe-to-toe with the most brilliant minds in the ancient world.

3) Get rid of excess cargo.

4) Lash yourself to the mast. The more culture changes the more we have to be in the Word. It’s our anchor!

5) Enjoy the ride.

For what it’s worth, Len has a book that just came out called The Church of the Perfect Storm. It’s compilation of chapters from a variety of leaders, including yours truly. I think it’s a good read.