The problem with applying a one-size-fits all, cookie-cutter approach to all people, ministries, and churches, is the tendency for it to:
lessen effectiveness
minimize unity
That doesn’t mean we can never use the same approach but we first need to take time to pray about it and assess what’s best. If we do apply the same solution to varying situations, it’s because it’s right, not because it’s convenient or easy.
Getting Beyond a Cookie Cutter Approach
We need to understand and distinguish between what should be applied to all people, ministries, and churches, and what needs to be tailored to each situation.
We can, and should, learn from others, but before simply copying what they’re doing, we need to determine …
1) if it truly is an approach that fits our situation either in part or in whole.
Just because it worked for some, doesn’t mean it will be effective for us.
2) if it is God’s will for us.
Just because He used it elsewhere doesn’t mean it’s right for us.
To lead to the greatest benefit, we need to tailor what we do to our particular people, ministries, and church. That could at times mean using a pre-packaged curriculum and strategies or tools developed by someone else. At other times we might adapt those resources to better fit our situation. But, it could also mean developing something new or unique.