Trailblazing is the practice of marking trails for others to follow. A recent example of this is found in our state parks. You will see markers (some determined by distance) to help you stay on the path. This has been a practice that goes way back to the "pioneering" days. In fact, if someone wants to do some historic research into the matter, it's quite an interesting discussion.
Much of what we do at PBC has been to pioneer things that have not been done in our area:
Trying to create a culture of honor.
What we do in ministry and missions.
Our understanding of the grace of God and the finished work of Christ.
How we focus on relationships rather than rules.
These are just a few areas where what we do is very different than some of the other fellowships in our area. It doesn't make us better, it simply means that we are forging a new path. Blazing trails means that we pay attention to what is taking place so that others can follow.
What I am beginning to understand is that you can Pioneer without being a Trailblazer (and vice versa). The determining factor between the two is what you want to leave behind. Some pioneers for example are not forging into uncharted territory as much as they are finding new paths, new venues, or trying new things. Many Trailblazers are following a path that has already been cut out but ensuring that others can follow. What I am experiencing in my calling as a Pioneer is how to merge the two.
I was talking with a friend this morning about the pioneer thing and he reminded me of something that I needed to hear. "Pioneering can be scary for a couple of reasons: #1 - You are going where no one has ever gone & #2 - Not many (if any) have ever tried." Think about those statements for just a moment. If you are going where no one has ever gone then it means that you have to be willing to take risks. AND...if not many (if any) have ever tried, it means that there isn't a map to get where you are going. As I have thought about this as it relates to our church and to the way we do life, I'm amazed at how many have not attempted this path before. I'm also concerned because there's not a template to follow. Now you understand why I see the need to merge the two concepts. I desperately want to pioneer some things but in the process I do want to leave a trail so that others can follow.
Maybe this analogy will help as well. Think about those who make pioneering discoveries in medicine. They had to take some risks and many have had to tread on a path they had never been down before. However, all along the way, they have kept a journal of where they have been & what they have done. They have made mistakes before but the data entry keeps them from making the same mistakes again. In the end, when they reach their destination or come up with their cure, anyone can follow the trail they left behind. This way others can benefit from their risks. What they were willing to do actually paves the way for others to do the same thing.
From a KINGDOM mindset, while what we are doing may seem new and risky, someone has tread the path before us. Jesus showed us quite clearly what a kingdom lifestyle looks like. We see His interaction with others. We hear/read His teachings. We understand the love, grace, and humility that He displayed. Not only that, but His life has been made available to us through the Holy Spirit. We are partakers of His divine nature according to 2 Peter 1:4. Therefore, you get to walk in something that not many have walked in before. You are in essence a Pioneer and a Trailblazer. Now...go and ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!
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