Reading Waves and Riding Bandwagons

Most “historians” believe the first guy to ride a bandwagon was a politician who wanted to get some face time. Word has it that he literally hopped on a wagon carrying a band during a parade, giving us a fitting phrase to describe the  countless men and women who have seized the opportunity to jump on board the latest thing and give it a ride.

I have always been amazed at the way ideas and behaviors spread among people. While some fads and trends occur as a result of innovation or practical usefulness, many happen simply because the bandwagon is conveniently rolling down Main Street.

This is largely due to a humbling reality about humanity… we often act like sheep. We believe and act in certain ways simply because of how other people believe and act. We call this the “herd instinct”- when people follow the crowd without ever really asking or knowing why, it is just the thing to do. (What else would explain the popularity of parachute pants, Cabbage Patch Kids, waterbeds, and Keesha.)

There is, however, an alternative, if not a precursor to band wagons.

I am in no way an experienced surfer, but I do know a little about riding a wave. Waves are literally fluid- they are always changing. Because of this, wave riders must first become wave readers- a highly organic process that requires patience and a great deal of waiting and watching.

I have watched surfers ride waves on both East Coast and West Coast waves. I have watched them surf Gulf of Mexico waves and North Shore waves. Regardless of location, it all works the same way… sit on your board and watch the horizon. There is an intuitive process that happens as you try to spot the next set rolling in.

If we were to zoom out on the modern church timeline, we would be able to see some significant movements over the past few decades revealing both bandwagon riders and wave riders.

In the sixties, a guy named Chuck Smith caught a wave that turned into something called the “Jesus People” movement (bandwagon name- Calvary Chapel). Thanks to Chuck for helping churches become more accessible to the disenfranchised.

Bill Hybels caught a wave in the seventies that became Willow Creek Church (bandwagon name- Willow Creek Association). We can thank Bill for introducing things like drama, creative arts and the value of leadership in the church.

The next wave went back to “SoCal” in the 80’s with a fellow named Rick Warren. His wave started a church called Saddleback (bandwagon name- Purpose Driven Churches).  We can credit Rick with helping churches to be more intentional and for influencing thousands of fifty-plus year old pastors to wear Hawaiian print shirts.

So what does this all mean?

First, let me be clear that riding a bandwagon is not a bad thing. Bandwagons are often necessary to help move large groups of people into something better, to make progress or just to stay current. But, while God often uses bandwagon riders, he also uses and needs wave riders to advance his kingdom. Why? Because every movement has a beginning.

Movements never begin by riding a bandwagon. Movements always begin by riding a wave. While God can and will use bandwagons to move and influence his people, he often leads men and women to do something that has never been done before. In fact, the distinguishing mark of a true leader is someone who is willing to do something that has never been done before (or that few others are doing). It is someone who acts not because the masses are doing it or because it is “the thing” to do, but simply because they have a strong sense of conviction that God is saying, “Do this.”

This is happening right now. God is speaking. He is leading. He has a plan and a purpose for his church that he is revealing to his people- the next set is rolling in. Some are watching the horizon, others the band. The only question is what we will be riding… the wave or the wagon.