Why the name fractals? Background on the original meaning of a fractal.
What is a fractal? How Fractals.tv is using the name fractal.
A fractal is a term describing an object with a repeating pattern and a unique variation. It is an uncommon word. Before it was actually defined, it was observed. Mathematicians noticed objects they thought were anomalies. However, after many stalled attempts, a mathematician brought these anomalies together by defining them; hence, the term fractal. This definition helped stretch the range of science into the real world. In doing so, these irregular, repeating patterns could now be used as tools to address imperfect objects in the real world.
Fractals exist all around us. There are several examples of naturally occurring fractals. Take trees. Most any tree has a repeating pattern of its limbs dividing into branches and the branches further dividing multiple times until the leaves are reached. The uniqueness of a tree is its style of bark and leaves as well as if it produces fruit, flowers, or nuts. Other naturally occurring fractals are cloud formations and mountain ranges. When looking at a mountain range it has an observable, repeating pattern of multiple cone-shapes, but these cones are not perfect. The distribution of mountains in a range varies and each is further enhanced with its unique elevation and topography.
In the same way the collective term fractal is used to stretch the range of science into the real world, we are using its name as a representation of the local church stretching into our culture. In this context, let’s take a look at how it does this.
It has already been established that fractals have repeating patterns with unique variations. When examining the inner workings of a fractal there is a primary repeating pattern found. These inner workings are based upon its leadership and the repeating pattern of intentional relationships its leader holds.
Why the focus on leadership within its structure? We focus on leadership because the Apostle Paul did. In his writings to Titus and Timothy, he outlined the necessary attributes of a church overseer or elder (1Ti 3 and Tit 1). These attributes are what the church needs to grow and maintain health. These are in sharp contrast to our westernized culture’s understanding and awarding of leadership. Numerical growth is considered the gold standard of movement. The fallacy in this thinking is not that numerical growth occurs, but that it is can occur apart from spiritual growth. This is where the oversight of spiritual leadership is necessary. Spiritual leadership helps Christians respond to God’s Spirit through their overseeing and nurturing.
The heart of fractals operations is relationships. A fractal leader begins with one relationship, but searches for additional ones. Within each relationship the leader finds, there is a repeated pattern of developing, holding, and, then, releasing the person to be intentional with their relationships. Within all relationships is the living out of the five functions of the Christian.
These five functions are discipleship and point to daily walking in and adjusting to God’s Spirit. The leader hovers between and influences only within the number of relationships that can be handled. How a leader leads is dependent upon the relationship being developed and held. Grace is shown to unbelievers encouraging them in a relationship with Christ. Truth is shown to Christians as they are challenged to respond to the Lord. How each leader implements this repeating pattern and the number of individuals with whom this is performed is the unique variation.
A fractal leader is a church overseer or elder. These persons operate within the church and embody spiritual leadership for kingdom growth. They model living the five functions of the Christian with daily walking in and adjusting to God’s Spirit. Although imperfect, they are authentic and patiently balance the seeking of and waiting upon God for direction. They share the life change in Christ they have experienced through intentional relationships with others. With this in mind, there is intentionality about bringing those not having a relationship with Christ an introduction and those who know Christ a challenge to hear his voice. Then, those who have been introduced to and challenged to follow Christ are in a place to turn around and repeat this with those whom they have and are developing relationships.
So, to better understand the workings of a fractal, it is best thought of as a unique and repeating network of intentional relationships within which daily walking in and adjusting to God’s Spirit is exemplified. Fractal leaders model for the local church the lifestyle of a disciple dependent upon daily adjustments to God’s Spirit.