In my previous post I promised to talk about the Hand-Picked-Model.
Honestly, it’s not for everyone.
Not only does HPM not “take all comers,” it doesn’t even appeal as a method to many leaders. They prefer the Inclusive-Faithful-Model, where everyone is invited to all events and the job of leaders is simply to be faithful to whomever shows up.
The example of Becca and Rose in my previous post illustrates the Inclusive-Faithful-Model. They held a weekend retreat for women in their church, but in the end the event seemed a bit hollow because of several last-minute cancellations and otherwise lukewarm participation.
But let’s say Becca and Rose had used the Hand-Picked-Model. I believe the result would have been much different.
Is the HPM biblical?
Recently at one of the colleges I visit, I laid out the Hand-Picked-Model to students. Quite naturally, some were opposed to the model as being too exclusive and privileged.
Nevertheless, both Jesus and Paul seemed to employ the HPM.
Jesus selected the 12 disciples from among many but focused even more on the “inner three” of Peter, James and John.
Paul served with Silas, Timothy, Barnabas and others. And when one partner, John Mark, did not fulfill his commitment to the work, Paul chose to part ways with him (and with Barnabas).
Back to Becca and Rose
What if the two women had asked God to give them 17 names to invite to the retreat, and simply not opened it to all women of the church?
Let’s say that of the 17, ten signed up. A solid ten.
Now everyone is on board and gives 100% commitment to the weekend. That was part of the deal from the outset.
They all have a wonderful time. They can’t wait to do it again. The retreat has momentum going forward . . . it’s a win.
The next year, 15 women attend. New leaders emerge. Becca and Rose set the standards high and the women of the church rise to the challenge.
* * *
The Inclusive-Faithful-Model seems so “open” and appealing in the short run. It’s in sync with the radical egalitarianism of secular culture.
But the Hand-Picked-Model simply chooses to weather the accusation of exclusivity, and builds for the long term — where, ironically, it’s way more inclusive than the Inclusive-Faithful-Model.
Image courtesy of ddpavumba at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
