What is Your Curvature Like?

A sigmoid curve is a mathematical function that is known for its "S" shape. The S curve refers to a progression that typically has three stages: (1) It begins small; (2) It enters a period of exponential growth until reaching a point of climax; and (3) It begins to slow and stagnate until growth stops. These three stages produce an S-like shape.

Now I am not a math major. And I am certainly not a business guru. But the other day I watched a video where Bill Hybels applied the "S" curve to church life and ministry. His main point was that we can use certain methods of ministry that work for awhile and maybe even produce some good results, but over time these same ministry methods will begin to stagnate and limit growth if they are not improved upon or recreated. In other words, the "S" curve applies to how we do ministry. If we keep doing what worked yesterday, we will not remain successful. We will be most successful when we are constantly looking for ways to improve. In fact, we will be most successful in ministry when we are constantly looking for ways to improve during times of exponential success--that is, stage two of the "S" curve. Unfortunately, most people are not inclined to push the limit when a pattern of success is already in place. Most people will only look for a new way of doing things when the old way is no longer working. They only look to improve things once stage three of the "S" curve has become a reality. Success depends on creatively improving existing systems of success while they are still working so that we avoid stagnation.

Bill Hybels applied the "S" curve to ministry. His point was that we need to keep things fresh in order to avoid stagnation. I think the "S" curve also applies to following Jesus. We are naturally creatures of habit. We are creatures of repetition. When we start growing spiritually from engaging in a certain practice, we are inclined to repeat that practice so that we will continue to grow. And as long as that practice keeps us growing we should keep practicing that particular practice. That is a good thing. But often times stage three of the "S" curve can begin to set in. That old devotional routine that you have been doing for the last three months doesn't produce the same passion. We keep saying the same prayers at the same times. We keep practicing the same old practices expecting new and different results. And it doesn't happen. I think part of the solution to spiritual stagnation is to keep things fresh even when a certain practice is yielding exponential growth. We need to push ourselves toward deeper passion, surrender, and commitment during times of growth so that we are constantly moving forward. We will be growing in our walk with Christ most consistently when we are constantly looking for news ways to pursue Christ. We cannot settle for what worked yesterday. If we settle for what worked yesterday, we will complete the "S" curve.

And so all of this begs the question: what is your curvature like? Are you growing spiritually or stuck in an old routine? Are you passionately pursuing Jesus to new levels of commitment or maintaining what you had going yesterday?