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Unlike many of you, dear book lovers, I am not an avid reader. Oh, I love my morning newspapers (seriously, two of them) and give me People or Vanity Fair or the wedding section of the New York Times and I’m a happy camper.
But books? Well this English major – Dr. Delaney would be horrified – has so many yet-to-read books by her bed that her spouse has declared it a fire hazard. And that’s why we have an extinguisher in the closet.
However, I have made an exception to the “I’ll try to get through the first chapter and call it good” syndrome.
The Power of Moments is a terrific read. Each and every chapter of it.
Brothers Chip and Dan Heath have written a book that stands alongside one of my other all-time favorite books they’ve written, Made to Stick.
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact is perfect for all organizations but particularly for anyone who designs worship services, runs camping ministries, or who’s involved in the arts.
Why? Because you are creating “memorable moments.” All. The. Time.
To make it easy, the Heath brothers have devised four elements that define a “moment.” Utilizing real-life examples from businesses and individuals, the Heath brothers recommend building a moment using one or more of these elements (EPIC!):
Elevation: “Moments of elevation are experiences that rise above the routine.” Worship services that transport people from their daily routines. Getting out in nature. Going to the theater.
Pride: “Moments of pride commemorate people’s experiences.” Recognizing a class finishing a year-long study. A child receiving a Bible. People joining the church. The anniversary of a camper who has been at your site six years in a row. Someone acting for the first time.
Insight: “Moments of insight deliver realizations and transformations.” A challenging sermon. Community service in a part of town that’s unfamiliar. Meeting people who are unlike you. Seeing a play that reveals the truth of someone else and makes you feel a little uncomfortable.
Connection: “Moments of connection bond us together.” Building a Habitat House. Changing an unfair law. Fighting for justice. Small groups. Mission trips. A week at camp. Experiencing a play with people you don’t know.
The church in particular is primed to take advantage of creating memorable moments. As the Heath brothers say,
In the short term we prioritize fixing problems over making moments, and that choice usually feels like a smart trade-off. But over time, it backfires…In life we can work so hard to get the kinks out that we forget to put the peaks in…
And that’s the charge for all of us: to defy the flatness of everyday work and life by creating a few precious moments.
You, dear friends, have an incredible opportunity to have an extraordinary impact on and with the people in your care. Don’t miss your chance – and don’t neglect to read – The Power of Moments. Then, tell me about your created moment so it can be shared with everyone.
P.S. Talk about a memorable moment: Take a look at the on-air proposal from the 2018 Emmy’s last Monday night. The good stuff gets started at the 1:40 mark. Grab a hankie.
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