The Hedgehog Principle

The Hedgehog Principle

In Jim Collin’s book Good To Great he tells the story of a fox chasing after a hedgehog.  It actually comes from an ancient Greek parable but Mr. Collins uses it to illustrate his point: “Are you a hedgehog or a fox?”

"The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.  The fox is a cunning creature, able to devise a myriad of complex strategies for sneak attacks upon the hedgehog.  Day in and day out, the fox circles around the hedgehog’s den, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.  Fast, sleek, beautiful, fleet of foot, and crafty - the fox looks like the sure winner.  The hedgehog, on the other hand, is a dowdier creature, looking like a genetic mix-up between a porcupine and a small armadillo.  He waddles along, going about his simple day, searching for lunch and taking care of his home.  

The fox waits in cunning silence at the juncture in the trail.  The hedgehog, minding his own business, wanders right into the path of the fox.  'Aha, I’ve got you now!' thinks the fox.  He leaps out, bounding across the ground, lightning fast.  The little hedgehog, sensing danger, looks up and thinks, 'Here we go again.  Will he ever learn?'  Rolling up into a perfect little ball, the hedgehog becomes a sphere of sharp spikes, pointing outward in all directions.  The fox, bounding toward his prey, sees the hedgehog’s defense and calls off the attack.  Retreating back to the forest, the fox begins to calculate a new line of attack.  Each day, some version of this battle between the hedgehog and the fox takes place, and despite the greater cunning of the fox, the hedgehog always wins."  

Collins points out that successful businesses follow the hedgehog’s example and figure out what they are good at and stick with it.  This doesn’t mean they don’t try new things, but instead of running out and trying the newest and greatest idea, they take a very  pragmatic approach and examine all the options with much thought.

Can this principle then be applied to the church?  Look at the diagram below and see how I’ve changed the wording a bit to fit and see if you agree.

When we focus on what God is passionate about, we are drawn right back to Scripture and the options for your local church are numerous: the poor, the city, the one sheep, being generous, sacrifice, love, children, widows and orphans, those who don’t know Him, the sick, the outcast, etc.

Our churches are made up of individuals and those individuals make up a congregation that is unique and different from the one down the street or in the next city.  I believe  that through prayer and discernment, God will make it clear as to how you are to make disciples for the kingdom, for that is our mission isn’t it?  (See Matthew 28:19,20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”)

As far as churches go, there are a lot of foxes out there that are cunning and sleek always trying the newest and best thing on the market.  My challenge is: BE A HEDGEHOG!  Find the thing that is unique to you and do it well.  It may not be flashy and people won’t flock to your church for conferences to learn what you’re doing, but you will be content knowing that you and your people are fulfilling God’s passion in a unique and powerful way.