Non-du·pli·ca·tion /nän'do?opl?'kash?n/ – Noun: Intentionally avoiding redundant effort.
Non-duplication is a key pillar of the Seven Pillar Methodology for social entrepreneurship. The focus is on not adding redundant effort, but rather addressing a chasm where you are truly needed. However, non-duplication doesn't mean you have to reinvent the wheel. If there is no minister in a particular prison, then going there to be a minister is an act that is in keeping with the spirit of non-duplication. The following is a discussion on biblical references to non-duplication:
MOSES
The story of Moses could be discussed in any number of Bible Quotes topics pages – vision, special skills, chasm, and so on. Certainly, Moses addressed a chasm: no other leader had emerged to lead his people out of bondage. Even though he had been chosen, and had an insider's perspective of Pharaoh's court because he'd grown up there, he still didn't feel up to the task. He asks what so many ask, when faced with a chasm: "who am I, that I should be the one to address this?"
And the Lord said… behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. — Exodus 3:9-10
The choice of Moses should be heartening for us. Moses thought of himself as slow of speech, and had killed another person, breaking one of the Ten Commandments. Flawed as he was, Moses was God's choice for this important role. The Bible has many stories of leaders with weaknesses, who still went on to do great work, addressing one chasm or another.
NEHEMIAH
The Book of Nehemiah tells the story of one person who perceived a problem that nobody was addressing, and took up the work of addressing it. The problem: God's temple was in ruins. The people, having finally been released from their captivity under the Babylonians (this, after the freeing from Egypt years before). Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer, dared to share his concern with the king. And the king gave him resources to rebuild the temple. With hard work, and steadfast commitment, and the support of those around him, the project was a success.
ESTHER
The Book of Esther tells a beautiful story of being in the right place at the right time, and stepping up. Nobody but Esther (originally named Hadassah) was in the position to act, to save her people. Esther, which means "star," was married to the king, who did not know that she was Jewish. When the decree came to murder all the Jewish people, she bravely revealed her identity, saving her people.
Our story may not be so lofty as that of Esther or Nehemiah, but when we are prayerful and discerning, we may perceive chasms that we, too, can address.
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.