When I was a young child, I would often ask “Why?” Even before my parents could answer this question, I was ready to ask my second question.  Do you know the second question?  If you have raised children or spent much time with them, then I am certain that you do know it.  The second question was: “Why?”  Whatever my parents’ answer, my follow-up question was always, “Why?”  My own children have blessed me with this same level of curiosity.

“Daddy, I have a question for you. . . Why are there clouds in the sky?”

“Clouds are in the sky because today is a partly cloudy day,” I respond.

“Why?” says the young child.

“Today is partly cloudy because of the changing weather.  This changing weather is called a ‘weather front.’”

“Why?” says the child routinely.

“When the winds blow, water molecules form together and make clouds.  There are different types of cloud formations. . .”

“Why?”

This sequence continues until eventually the adult ends exasperated with frustration exclaiming, “Because that’s the way it is!” or pronouncing with theological delight “Because God made the Heavens and the Earth!”

Jim Collins, author of Built to Last, has taken this basic childhood question of curiosity and leveraged it as a powerful method for achieving the essence of an organization’s purpose.  The method can be practiced at its elemental level.  Start with the descriptive statement of what your church does.  Why is this statement important?  Ask leaders the why question five times.  As one repeats the question and digs deeper into the reasoning for doing what the church does, one approaches the fundamental purpose of a particular local church.  The five whys can enable the church to frame its tasks and activities in a more meaningful way.

I was privileged to spend time recently with a few of the current great thinkers and strong leaders of the Church.  They have all contributed significantly to the ecumenical movement of today’s Church.  Their books are widely acclaimed.  They represent multiple generations of the Church.  They hold different roles within the Church.  Yet, as I listened and talked with each of them, each one began at the same place.  They started with the mission of the Church.  In order to have a meaningful conversation about the Church, we needed to be clear about its purpose, core values, and mission.  They encouraged persons, like me, who consult regularly with leaders of faith-based organizations, like you, to ask you again and again, “Why do you exist?  What is the purpose of your organization?  Who would miss your organization if it closed?  Who is excited that your organization is open?  How does your ministry connect with God’s wider mission in the world?”

Your answers to these questions and to the five whys have more to do with the stewardship of our prayers, presence, gifts, witness, and service than we may first think.  It may seem cliché – but it is true – money follows mission.  May God be with you as you reengage your childhood curiosity.