Life and change can offer us “life-changing experiences.” 

As to what organic means, different people have different answers.  For farmers, organic refers to natural, healthy foods – fresh, without preservatives or additives.  Biologist will talk about interconnected cells in living systems.  Business people will refer to strategic networks of people and resources.  Even though the word organic is used in many different contexts, it’s fundamental attributes speak volumes about life, relationships, and growth.

I have chosen to use the word organic in terms of how people are interconnected in relationships in organizational environments.  When combined with the process of transformation, organic becomes a back-to-basics, healthy process – one that brings “life-changing experiences” into people…and the life of their organization.

In January of 2000 we were not yet a Christian company, but simply a company of Christians.  We were idealists…visionaries, and we were told – “ahead of our time.”  We held firmly to our beliefs that God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes.  We were filled with much hope and expectation.  Little did we know that what we were developing, would one day…transform our lives.

From 2000 – 2002 we worked hard at developing new paradigm ministries in the community.  We wanted to use technology tools to better advance our efforts with a new generation of young people, hungry for God.  Our goal was to raise-up a new breed of missionaries and evangelists who were excited about organic transformation.

Countless hours were spent in planning, but progress soon came to a sudden halt.  Still filled with great passion, we were finally empty of resources.  This forced us all to move on with our lives.  Some even scattered to other parts of the country.  For the next few years all of us went through many changes; and at times, feeling disillusioned about life and ministry.  And then something happened around January of 2006; circumstances that would change our lives.

For some reason, God was bringing us back together again, but for what?  We had all moved on with our lives into other vocations.  And even if vision and passion were still resident in our hearts, our pockets were still empty.  But here we were; sitting around a big table – discussing ideas and plans.  For the next three months we explored possibilities, and we watched in amazement as how God was naturally building us into a high-powered, synergistic team.

We all had to go through many changes.  Our pride was tested.  Our authenticity was challenged.  Some of the changes were very difficult; others were fluid and refreshing.  We entered an organic work environment in order to increase our productivity; one without all the stress associated with most new projects.  We soon realized that all of us was smarter that any one of us.  We learned to communicate and collaborate well; oftentimes marveling at how quickly we found ourselves “on the same page.”

We were willing to let go and let God have His way.  Creativity flowed like refreshing water from a spring-fed well.  Innovative thinking kept moving us forward as we naturally responded to “relational synergism” – people working together for greater purposes realized only through concerted efforts.  Although we had painted for ourselves a “big” picture, God would soon unveil a “bigger” one.

As individuals, we are all starting to grow again…in our faith and passion for ministry.  As a group, we are being transformed into a synergistic team, filled with vision, passion, and purpose.  All of this is happening inside a natural, organic environment where life and change are producing “life-changing experiences.”  This is best described as organic transformation.  

Just imagine…living in a neighborhood where you always feel safe and secure.  All the neighbors are good friends and enjoy spending time with each other.  Everyone experiences a warm sense of “belonging” and self worth.

If you lived in one of these neighborhoods, you probably would waste no time getting home after work.  Well, this is exactly what millions of online users do each day over the internet.  People are now beginning to integrate their online world with everyday living.

Online community is very popular.  Approximately 100 million Americans have joined communities after discovering them online (http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_CyberFaith_Report.pdf).  In all, 84% of Internet users have at one time or another contacted an online group.  In 2001, 28 million Americans were very active in “online” communities.  Today, MySpace.com, a very popular online community, has registered over 94 million participants!  Industry research suggests that participation in online communities is growing at an accelerate rate with no end in site. 

What about these online communities?  Are they safe and secure for people of all ages?  Do they truly resonate with true essence of community-building?  Can social networking sites offer people a personalized “online gated community?”

The truth is that sites like MySpace are not your space.  Even though people use this website for personalized social networking, it is still their space.  This presently holds true for every social networking site on the planet that uses the World Wide Web.

But think about it.  What if you could build your very own “online gated community” – one that was safe and secure?  With this kind of community you could truly say, “This is my space; and along with others, this is our space!”  You hold the key that unlocks the gate to your private community.  You can let people in…or keep people out.  The choice is all yours.

This is where the internet becomes a cost-effective way for people to stay close and connected with family and friends, 24/7 and worldwide.  And do so, in a safe and secure environment.

The ability for people to build their very own “online gated community” will impact people’s lives around the globe.  Perhaps this will be called Web 3.0 – a revolution in social networking technology.

People must be successful in communicating with each other on both a personal and organizational level.  Breakdowns in effective communications can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, or a major disaster. 

Good communications happens when people are willing to cooperate in the communication process – one that is more than talking and listening.  When we reach people at their point of felt need in language they understand, we cross the threshold into effective communications. 

When people “connect” in respectful dialogue and mutual understanding, relationships grow and community gets stronger.  This opens the door to progress and transformation. Effective communications transforms a community into an organic environment that blossoms with authenticity, trust, and cooperative teamwork.  People are happier, more committed, and united with common purpose.

By now you may be asking yourself, “How do I make this happen in my situation?”  The answer involves simple education and intentional process.

Communications is a two-way path where thoughts and feelings travel back and forth.  A one-way stream of good information to people does not constitute good communications.  Without feedback or the proper response of a listener, there is no communication!  Effective communications implies two-way understanding.

Mutual understanding is the highest point in effective communications.  This is achieved through an intentional process that involves hearing, seeing, and personal participation.  Scientific experiments have shown that on average, we remember:

• 10% of what we read 
• 20% of what we hear
• 30% of what we see
• 50% of what we see and hear
• 70% of what we say
• 90%  of what we say and do