Occam’s razor is a philosophical tool to reduce arguments to their essentials; to add more to an argument than is necessary to explain phenomena is the work of pride and vanity. Occam’s Solution, therefore, would be the simplest effective solution to a problem with minimal negative consequences; a more complex solution than the simplest effective means is vanity.[1] DNA is extraordinarily complex, but the details are extraordinarily simple, based on combinations of six basic amino acids. Complex computer software projects are built of simple modules of code designed by rules of structured programming; what is impossible to imagine as a giant program is more easily designed, assembled, debugged and maintained through the use of small, replicable components. Assembling large churches that make disciples, like cell churches, is a matter of taking precise care of multiple examples of a few critical but simple components. This seminar proposes simple tools that can be assembled into a powerful Discipleship System for any church.
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
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All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.
[1]Francis Heylighen,“Occam’s Razor,” Principia Cybernetica Web, ed. F. Heylighen, C. Joslyn, and V. Turchin, http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/OCCAMRAZ.html (accessed June 12, 2007).