The Rockbridge Example

The following post was taken from an open comment in Rockbridge Seminary’s course “Lead Like Jesus” by Rock’r student David Leister – Wednesday, 27 January 2010, 07:13 AM CST

As I’m in a new church now and still getting acclimated, I’ll take the liberty to use Rockbridge as an example, also in hopes that Dr. Eldridge and other students can tell me if I’m making sense or not!

I think that in today’s world where everything is available at the click of a mouse, where distribution logistics of a DVD player made in Asia can be completely controlled by a pre-teen in Idaho, those at the traditional base of an organization’s pyramid need to be empowered and filled with organizational vision. Customers are more readily in contact with diverse areas of an organization. No longer is there one simple 800 number for customer complaints. Now you can call most large churches and be waltzed through a number of menu options and departments to get you right to the nitty gritty.

Chains of command are being ruptured and what used to be following Point A – B – C – D to arrive at E, is now AE merged together. In today’s world of proclaiming the Gospel through churches or selling titanium heavywares manufactured in New Jersey to Brazilian petrochemical customers requires that everyone wearing the organizational “logo” live their organization’s mission, vision and values. The days of passing the buck seem to be dying.

At Rockbridge, I see myself at the traditional base, not so much as a customer, but as a student according to the diagram. But the difference is that instead of paying, learning and leaving, I feel empowered and motivated to make the sale as well. Rockbridge’s mission, vision and values are easily recognizable and explainable. And it seems that Rockbridge’s leadership wants everyone involved, from faculty to students, to feel like valued members of the organization. I find myself sending site links to friends for encouragement as well as information to prospective students or gifted leaders who I know would enjoy and benefit from, for example, the MML program.

I believe that this is because the pyramid has been turned upside down so that everyone is in tune with and has ownership in the vitality of the organization. Information about anything from the accreditation process to daily counseling on learning plans is easily accessible. There doesn’t seem to be too much red tape and risk in misrepresenting what Rockbridge stands for. If you ask me to encapsulate my alma mater’s vision, I don’t know where to begin, and coming from someone who loves to talk and write (too much!) I get tongue-tied.

Based on the reality of today’s global, internet world of business and academics, Rockbridge is thriving by getting its message in the hands of its students and faculty, who altogether have the potential to reach countless numbers of potential customers/students.

OK, I feel like I just did a promo. You guys hiring? lol