The decline of many churches today calls for a bold reimagining of how we lead, serve, and live out our mission. To do this, we can find inspiration in unexpected places, such as the story of Apple’s transformation. What made Apple a global force wasn’t just its products—it was the synergy of visionary leadership, innovative design, and operational excellence. Steve Jobs dared to dream beyond the ordinary, envisioning a future others couldn’t yet see. Jony Ive took those dreams and translated them into tangible, beautiful, and user-centered designs. Tim Cook ensured those ideas were executed with precision, scalability, and reliability. This trifecta reminds us that no single strength can sustain a mission; it’s the harmony of diverse gifts, united by a shared purpose, that drives true transformation.

For the church, this is a profound call to action. What if we dared to “think different,” not in the pursuit of innovation for its own sake but to rediscover the beauty of the Gospel in ways that resonate with a hurting world? Like Apple, our vision must challenge the status quo, casting a hope-filled picture of what the church can become. We need spiritual “designers” who craft experiences and spaces that are beautiful, welcoming, and rooted in love. We also need “operators” who take care of the details, ensuring the church is sustainable, relevant, and ready to meet the needs of the next generation. The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12 remind us of this truth: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” Each member of the body has a role, and when we bring our gifts together, the church becomes more than an institution—it becomes a movement.

The principle of stewardship also calls us to embrace this moment. As 1 Peter 4:10 teaches, we are each entrusted with unique gifts to serve others and glorify God. Imagine a church where every member sees their calling as vital to the whole, where the visionary casts God-sized dreams, the artist shapes them into a living witness, and the builder ensures their longevity. Such a church would not merely survive—it would thrive. By stepping into this transformative synergy, we can breathe new life into declining congregations, leaving a legacy of faith, creativity, and service that reflects the Kingdom of God in its fullest expression.