• Coach’s Conundrum #6

Posted by: kidhelper on Monday, November 15th, 2010

Sequoia Cone

6. Little Is More; Is More Too Much?

If Little is More, then why is More not equal to Less? But Less is More. So More can be Too Much when Little is More? Is this more than double-talk or a “play on words?” Is there some meaning here?

This Conundrum is not universal in application. Not everything is best when it is Less, sometimes More is better than Less. However, there are times when this Less is More principle is applicable. However, this conundrum of Less is More might be described as “any work stripped down to its most fundamental feature(s). Therefore, the quest is to figure out just how to reduce work down to its basic elements. When is Little or Less…More? Some disciplines that are noted for this minimalism: art, literature, architecture and simple living.

However, I have tended to apply the Less is More principle…to children’s ministry, as I see lots of applications for our profession. Here are a few areas where Little is prized as More:

1. A children’s sermon that does not go over time—less is  more with an impression.

2. Starting a small program and growing it into something more  significant.

3. Explaining a complicated subject in a more understandable  way for children, even the adults can get it.

4. Being faithful with little things, so you can be responsible for more things—more strategic things.

5. Having a ministry to one child might make inroads into their whole family for Christ­—more get saved.

6. A righteous man’s prayer for one person becomes a blessing for many others—exponential ramifications.

7. Speaking with less words, but memorable words, is more—especially, if it illustrated too.

8. Writing less is harder than writing more. Less can have more of an impact.

There is a verse in the Bible that speaks to this: “Do not despise the day of small beginnings.” How about that much quoted phrase… “Little is much, when God is in it!”

So what about the Giant Sequoia Trees? They come from years of growth from very small seeds found in the Sequoia cones.

Can you think of another CM area where Less is More?

Coach’s Conundrums This is a new series: my collection of pithy principles that need some explanation. The implementing of these conundrums could alter your paradigm for children’s ministry or influence the way you approach kids.

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