Enrollment vs. Persuasion

The husband of a dear friend came to speak during the high school assembly today. He's a corporate mover and shaker with a major pharmaceutical company. He also sees himself as a "Corporate Evangelist". His message : Enrollment vs. Persuasion, or How to get people to buy into your ideas .

The important slide (I know it was the important one because he told us it was!) was titled "Elements of Effective Enrollment". These elements are (1) provide compelling positions and evidence, (2) Find common ground, (3) connect emotionally, and (4) build credibility. After the study on law and grace, and having that swirling around my brain, I realized that this man was giving the same message, wrapped up in corporate language.

Persuasion is a tactic of legalism. It's trying to get people to do what you want because it's right, it's the law, these are the rules, and because I said so. If you don't do things this way, bad things will happen to you. The results of persuasion are temporary, and the person's heart hasn't really changed.

Enrollment is the way of grace. It's becoming partners with people to achieve a common goal because there are benefits to be enjoyed by all. It's exhibiting that what you know is true, through your actions, and the results of your life. The results of enrollment are lasting, and you have become partners in a common purpose. The motive is love and fellowship.

I've probably emasculated his message of Enrollment by calling out a motive of love, and if so I apologize. Underneath the suit and tie however, I see grace at the heart of his message.