Yesterday, Apple summoned reporters to an event in San Francisco where it unveiled a new version of its popular tablet computer – iPad 2. “Apple clearly sent a message to all of the manufactures lining up to complete with it: Just go home.” (Andy Ihnatko – Chicago Sun-Times)
Apple is a very successful company. They’re innovative, swimming in cash, and have the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I began thinking: “What could the church learn from Apple?” Theologically, I understand the church is a body and not a business and incorporating business models is risky (some may even say it’s heretical). Whatever! I’m a believer in principles and if there’s a transferrable principle, I’m applying it.
After visiting Apple’s retail stores and buying their products, the church can learn a lot if they would open their eyes and use a little imagination. Here’s what we can learn:
- Work hard to simplify – Apple has a knack for clearing out clutter and making things simple and therefore elegant. There is no wasted space. Everything is not minimalistic, but simple. “The difference is minimalists sacrifice features for less. Simple offers the basic features needed in a way that is uncluttered and uncomplicated. People say that a Mac is best for people who don’t want to tinker. The iPhone is a closed environment but that makes it really easy to use (KevinPurcell.org).” Too often churches are cluttered with ministries, programs, & events that drown the mission. Mars Hill focuses on four pillars: Worship, Relationships, Growth, and Service. Less clutter…less noise.
- Tight Integration of Products – The Mac ecosystem all fits together beautifully. This was never more obvious than when watching Apple demo their iPad 2 with its new cover. I can take Garage Band, a music creation tool, and export it to play on an iPod, import it into their video editors (iMovie or Final Cut) or just keep it on the Mac. Videos that are created on the Mac are easy to get onto an iPad or iPod Touch. iTunes is a central place for all the media one wants on their iPod, iPhone, PC or AppleTV. It all just works together so nicely (KevinPurcell.org). Unfortunately, churches programs and ministries just don’t fit and they’re all over the place. The culprit: They try to be all things to all people…a recipe for disaster.
- Strong Visionary Leadership – Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO was forced out of the company he founded in the 90’s and Apple nearly went bankrupt. Fast forward to 2011…Apple’s one of the most innovative and admired companies in the world. There’s no doubt who’s in charge at Apple. Steve Jobs is that single strong leader who has a clear vision and empowers those around him to achieve their best while fitting into the vision he has laid out. He doesn’t do everything. But he does have his imprint on everything. Too often pastors are handcuffed by deacons, church boards, and trustees. What’s the takeaway for churches: There’s one vision & God gave it to that visionary leader.
That’s what I learned from Apple (so far). What about you? Are there other companies you’d like to add? Let’s talk!
