The LEGO Principle: The Power of Connecting to God and One Another

I’ve known Joey since he was a young boy. He has written an exceptional book that refocuses Christians back into disciple making. This book cannot be ignored and must be read by Christians of all stripes. After reading the truths in his book, I just wish I had another ninety years to be able to go and make disciples.

—FR. LUIS CANDELARIA

ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY, PHILIPPINES

Without doubt, discipleship is the missing ingredient in Christianity today. In The LEGO Principle Joey Bonifacio gets us back to the basic building blocks for making disciples. Joey is a leading practitioner in discipleship, as his church in the Philippines so powerfully demonstrates. This book could spark a revolution.

—MARK CONNER

CITYLIFE CHURCH, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

The first time I met Joey Bonifacio was at a conference. He instantly won my trust and that of my Russian colleagues. Inspired by his message, one of our pastors moved to Manila for a six-month internship. The message of this book is virally winning the trust of thousands of young leaders around the globe.

—LANCE CORLEY

INTERNATIONAL TEAMS, MOSCOW

After twenty-five years of publishing Christian literature, I have read countless manuscripts and books. Joey Bonifacio’s The LEGO Principle was something unexpected. It’s rich, inspiring, and life changing, so much so that I read it twice. If you only read one book this year—make sure it’s this one.

—KEITH DANBY

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, LONDON

Who would ever think that the simple LEGO blocks could be the inspiration for a book on discipling and leaders? LEGOs—small, simple pieces of plastic for making connections for simple and/or intricate things. The LEGO Principle, simple but for making connections by and with people. Read this book to see how simple this is!

—JOHN DETTONI

CHRYSALIS MINISTRIES, SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA

I am thankful that my friend Joey Bonifacio has taken one of the main messages of his life and has put it into a well-researched, biblical, and easy-to-understand book. The LEGO Principle is based on many years of practical disciple making that I have seen work in Japan and all over the world. Make sure you read this book!

—SCOTT DOUMA

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH, YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

Joey Bonifacio has a knack of combining simplicity with depth. In The LEGO Principle he brings to life the power of discipleship and relationship. He is not merely theorizing because he lives the truth of his book every day. It is engrained in the church he leads. The church in America would do well to learn from him.

—BRYAN DWYER

ALPINE CHURCH, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Discipleship is relationship is the life-changing truth Joey taught us in a London pub. It has shaped our ministry ever since. The LEGO Principle skillfully articulates the essential building blocks for the world-changing mission Christ has called us to. Armed with this truth, the potential of Christianity is limitless!

—WOLFI ECKLEBEN

EVERY NATION CHURCH, LONDON

The LEGO Principle is a good reminder to all Christians that discipleship is not the work of a few career ministers but the responsibility of every single believer. Fresh. Intelligent. Intuitive. Simple. Precise and practical as LEGO itself. I love this book.

—DARRELL GREEN

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME, WASHINGTON DC

The LEGO Principle is a practical and theologically accurate tool for all Christians. Joey is a man who has practiced and proven the principles of building and multiplying disciples in one of the largest churches in the world. The clear message of this book is anyone can make disciples and everyone should.

—JOEL HUNTER

NORTHLAND: A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED, LONGWOOD, FLORIDA

I first encountered Joey Bonifacio in his blog, Discipleship Is Relationship. The concepts he has brought forth were not just out of the box but were also biblical and proven in day-to-day church life. The LEGO Principle shows Christians a simple way to face complex challenges in discipleship without being simplistic.

—DAVID LIM

LAUSANNE CONGRESS, MANILA

Every so often a book comes along that grows from the soul of an author who lives his message, who writes from the core of who he is, what he knows, and what he has accomplished. Joey Bonifacio is this kind of author. The LEGO Principle is this kind of book. Let the words of this rising global leader change the way you live.

—STEPHEN MANSFIELD

NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

THE MANSFIELD GROUP, WASHINGTON DC

The LEGO Principle taps into the most beautiful of all the basics of our faith. It reminds us that in Jesus we never grow beyond the basics; we just go deeper and stronger. Joey Bonifacio calls us back to the beautiful basics that invites us to a deep renewal of love for Jesus’s way. I love this book!

—FLOYD MCCLUNG

ALL NATIONS, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

My very good friend and a leader I look to, Joey Bonifacio rocks. He is the real deal. His greatest strength is in raising disciples and leaders who are secure in their relationship with Jesus. His book The LEGO Principle will inspire you to enjoy connecting to God and with one another. A voice to a generation, you must read this book

—RACHEL ONG

MANAGING PARTNER, ROHEI, SINGAPORE

In The LEGO Principle Joey Bonifacio shows us a better way to build genuine connections. Read this book to discover how a crowd turns into a church that produces genuine New Testament disciples who make a difference in their community and our world.

—LARRY OSBORNE

NORTH COAST CHURCH, SAN DIEGO

The LEGO Principle is rooted in the nitty-gritty day-to-day living out of Christianity in the local church. More importantly it is deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture. Joey Bonifacio has written an important book for our times. Read it and be challenged to serve Jesus by making disciples.

—DARRIN PATRICK

ACTS 29 NETWORK, ST. LOUIS

What an enjoyable and beneficial read. Theologically solid. Insightful. Practical. Inspiring. As I read The LEGO Principle, I found myself wanting others I care about to read it as well. Do yourself a favor and read this book, then go and follow the practical convictions you will find in it.

—RANDY POPE

PERIMETER CHURCH, ATLANTA

The LEGO Principle will help Christians in the pews be disciples who makes disciples. It is an important book that will shape the future of the ministry of making disciples. Joey is not just its author; he is a living example of his book. He is also my friend, coach, and a vital consultant on church growth through discipleship.

—MARK RAMSEY

CITIPOINTE, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

For over seventeen years Joey has shared with me many simple yet profound nuggets of truth about discipleship. In The LEGO Principle he makes it available for all to read. From these truths their church Victory has grown from a few to tens of thousands and is today one of the world’s fastest-growing churches.

—GORDON ROBERTSON

CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK, VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Joey Bonifacio’s delightful book The LEGO Principle answers two questions in relationship to the church. Our business? Discipleship. How’s business? Not so great. This book is destined to change the future of discipleship. As a result it will change the direction of churches and impact our world.

—HAROLD J. SALA, PHD

GUIDELINES INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA

Even though I’m a Catholic leader, when it comes to discipleship and church growth, Joey Bonifacio is my mentor. The many times we had coffee together were turning points in my ministry. The man walks his talk. The LEGO Principle contains Joey’s life message. Read it and change the way you impact others forever.

—BO SANCHEZ

KERYGMA MAGAZINE, MANILA

Not only will you have a hard time putting down The LEGO Principle, its message resonates with the truth of God’s Word that my friend Joey Bonifacio brings to life. It will again make the church what it should be—a place of loving, trusting, and caring relationships that reaches out and turns people into disciples of Jesus.

—DIRKIE VAN DER SPUY

MORELETA PARK ASSOCIATION, PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

Relationships are central to making disciples as commanded by the Great Commission. Joey Bonifacio connects relationships to disciple making in a way that is sure to benefit all who read this book.

—ED STETZER

LIFEWAY RESEARCH, NASHVILLE

The LEGO Principle is amazingly easy to grasp. Joey is clearly a man who loves making disciples, and his church is living proof of the eternal truth and effectiveness of what he writes. This book is as theologically sound as any book can get and yet is vitally relevant to the postmodern world we live in.

—LARRY STOCKTILL

BETHANY WORLD PRAYER CENTER, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

I have had the privilege of hearing the message of this book on several occasions when Joey Bonifacio visited China—it is always refreshing and at the same time convicting. Each time I hear it, I am reminded of the many times I spent with this man. This is not a message but a way of life.

—STEVE

CHINA

The LEGO Principle provides clear biblical strategies rooted in the Scriptures. As a thoughtful practitioner Joey provides us with clear insights that I urge all followers of Jesus to embrace. You will have a hard time putting down The LEGO Principle; it will capture your heart and change your life.

—DR. GEOFF TUNNICLIFFE

WORLD EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE, NEW YORK

Most CHARISMA HOUSE BOOK GROUP products are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchase for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, and educational needs. For details, write Charisma House Book Group, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, or telephone (407) 333-0600.

THE LEGO PRINCIPLE by Joey Bonifacio

Published by Charisma House

Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group

600 Rinehart Road

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

www.charismahouse.com

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means— electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy

Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984,

International Bible Society. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked ASV are from the American Standard Bible.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright © 2012 by Joey Bonifacio

All rights reserved

Cover design by Studio Gearbox

Design Director: Bill Johnson

Visit the author’s website at www.joeybonifacio.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Bonifacio, Joey.

The LEGO principle / Joey Bonifacio. -- 1st ed.

   p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-61638-677-1 (trade paper) -- ISBN 978-1-61638-678-8 (e-book)

1. Discipling (Christianity) I. Title.

BV4520.B58 2012

269’.2--dc23

2012020524

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication.

This book has not been prepared, approved, or licensed by The LEGO Group.

First edition

12 13 14 15 16 — 987654321

Printed in the United States of America

To Jesus—this book is dedicated to You.

CONTENTS

Introduction

SECTION I: DISCIPLESHIP

1. Just Like LEGO

2. In One Word

3. Discipleship Is Relationship

SECTION II: RELATIONSHIP

4. Building Blocks

5. Trust

6. Love

7. Forgiveness

8. Communication

SECTION III: VALUES

9. Brick by Brick

10. People Are Valuable

11. Jesus Is Most Valuable

12. Ministry Is Valuable

13. Every Day Is Valuable

14. Piecing It Together

Notes

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION

IT WAS 1988 when I bought my first two LEGO kits, the airport and the police station. I was a young father, excited to give my two young boys their Christmas presents. I had snuck the conspicuous boxes into the house and stashed them on the highest shelf in my bedroom cabinet far away from the boys’ prying eyes and arms. To be sure they didn’t discover the boxes, I camouflaged them with colored beach towels until I would wrap them late that night.

Since that time LEGO has become a part of our family’s birthdays and celebrations. When my third son came along, my wife and I had the good sense to start him out with DUPLO, the larger bricks made for younger kids that he couldn’t swallow even if he tried. In time all three of my boys would consider LEGO one of their all-time favorite toys. Over the years their LEGO toys have proved to be enduring and timeless.

This book, however, is not about the history of my children’s playthings. It is about what Jesus said were the two most important commandments of all time: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.¹

Jesus was making something clear to His listeners then as He is now: in life, it all boils down to loving God and loving one another. To put it another way, life is all about relationships—a relationship with God and then with one another.

This is why the title of this book is The LEGO Principle. You see, regardless of the shape, size, or color of a LEGO piece, each one is designed to do one thing: connect. LEGO pieces are designed to connect at the top and at the bottom. Like LEGO if you can connect to the top with God and to the bottom with others, you can pretty much shape the world you live in. And like LEGO, when the connections happen, the possibilities are limitless.

The years have whizzed by, and now my sons are adults; two of them have moved out of the house. While the boys and their LEGO toys are gone, what remain are the connections built through the years: the valuable, irreplaceable relationships that each of us has with God and with one another.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that this book will inspire you to live a life of wonderful, valuable connections. This, after all, is what Jesus taught His disciples.

1.

JUST LIKE LEGO

THE STORY OF LEGO cannot be told without the account of its amazing founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter who lived in the town of Billund in Denmark. He started his trade by making household products from wood. In 1924 when his two sons, Godtfred and Karl, tried to light their oven at home, they ended up burning down the family home and the whole business with it. Flammable wood inventories and playful children don’t mix very well. Thankfully the children were saved, but Ole Kirk’s commercial future looked bleak.¹

In less than a decade twin tragedies would pay the carpenter another visit. In 1932, as the Great Depression worsened in the United States, not even far-flung Billund and Ole Kirk’s business would be spared by the crisis. Christian Humberg wrote in his book 50 Years of the LEGO Brick that Ole Kirk had to let his last employees go. His wife died soon afterward, the carpenter was left on his own, with four sons and not nearly enough orders.²

Jonathan Bender, author of LEGO: A Love Story, writes of the same adversities the carpenter encountered:

At forty-one years of age, he was a widower living in the largest house in Billund, Denmark—a house that he soon might not be able to afford. The Great Depression meant that demand had dried up for stools, Christmas tree bases, and ironing boards that were the trademarks of his carpentry and joinery shop.³

But like many success stories these challenges would prove to be serendipitous. It was also in 1932 when Ole Kirk made the decision to manufacture wooden toys. Daniel Lipkowitz, author of The LEGO Book: The Amazing LEGO Story, writes:

In 1932, with the worldwide Great Depression threatening to close his carpentry shop for good, Ole Kirk turned his skills to creating a range of toys for children. These beautifully made playthings included yo-yos, wooden blocks, pull-along animals, and vehicles of all kinds.⁴

His best seller was a pull-along wooden duck. Ole Kirk guessed that even in times of financial strife, people would still be willing to buy wooden toys for their children.⁵ In a matter of a few years business was good again, and Ole was able to build a new factory. More significantly this initial foray into toy manufacturing would become his family’s core business more than fifty years later.

Yet in 1942 misfortune struck again. Another fire burned down the new factory, and all the production patterns were lost.⁶ At the same time Europe was facing an escalating world war. Both home products and toys were not in demand, and Ole Kirk’s business wearily trudged through those years.

However, five years later serendipity would once again bring about a historical discovery. Humberg writes, After the Second World War, high quality wood was in short supply, and plastic gradually began to dominate the world market.⁷ With very little money he finally took action; in 1947, Ole Kirk was the first Danish toy manufacturer to buy a plastic injection moulding machine—with borrowed money. ⁸ With Ole Kirk’s newly acquired experience with plastics, the toy company soon would design, manufacture, and perfect the LEGO brick.

A CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

For years Ole Kirk experienced financial as well as other difficulties before his real breakthrough came. Only one thing would keep him going—his faith. Unknown to many, Ole Kirk Christiansen, the founder of LEGO, was a follower of Christ.

In their book The Ultimate LEGO Book authors David Pickering, Nick Turpin, and Caryn Jenner wrote that Ole Kirk’s faith helped him through personal crises, including the death of his wife in 1932, which left him with four young sons to look after.⁹ He and his family were members of a Danish Christian movement called Indre Mission, and even into the 1950s, when the LEGO company was still a small business, almost everyone would meet together for a short prayer before work.¹⁰,¹¹

Jonathan Bender, alluding to the years in 1932 when Ole Kirk’s problems were at their worst, writes of how he responded to those challenges as a Christian:

That year, Ole Kirk’s life was at a crossroads. His first wife, Kirstine, had died giving birth to their fourth son, Gerhardt. Life is a gift, but also a challenge, Ole Kirk, a devout Christian, is said to have remarked around that time.¹²

The fact that Ole Kirk Christiansen was a Christian is incidental to why this book is titled The LEGO Principle. It is, however, a good story to know. This book is titled as such because it is all about connecting— connecting to God and connecting to others. It is what Jesus and the Bible often describe as becoming a disciple or a follower of Christ.

Open any LEGO box, and you’ll find a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are red, blue, green, brown, yellow, orange, white, black, gray, and other color pieces. There are fat, flat, rectangular, round, square, thick, thin, long, and short pieces.

Though there is a wide assortment of LEGO pieces, they are all designed to do one thing: connect. To connect means to attach, to associate, and to bond. LEGO bricks and pieces are designed with studs on top that interlock with the bottom of each piece. While LEGO bricks are so varied, they all have one purpose: to connect at the top and at the bottom.

Just like LEGO pieces that connect at the top and at the bottom, discipleship is about connecting to God and with one another. This is the LEGO Principle: Connect first to God and then to one another.

It does not matter what one’s skin color, social background, age, or denomination is—God designed us all to connect to Him and then to one another. Jesus said the foremost commandment is about connecting with God: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.¹³ Then He said, The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’¹⁴

These two commandments combine to become the LEGO Principle: Connect to God. Connect to one another. This to Jesus was what it meant to be His disciple.

A FOLLOWER

Mathetes is the Bible’s Greek word for disciple. It primarily meant to be a pupil or a student. But unlike our present-day meaning of the words pupil and student, which we tend to think of as one who goes to school to learn a subject such as algebra or biology, the word disciple had a much deeper meaning in Jesus’s day. It meant to be a follower of someone’s teaching.

Thus the word disciple meant someone who closely followed a teacher and had a relationship with that person. It literally meant the sharing of life lessons that were fully intended to be lived out in day-to-day life. More than just learning in a class, to be a disciple meant to have a relationship with the teacher. Jesus took this popular cultural practice of His time and used it as the basis to connect us to God and to one another.

Similarly the word follower today means something completely different than it did back then. Depending on what part of the world you come from, a follower can mean anything and everything from a blind adherent to a groupie or someone who lives on other people’s tweets.

LIKE A JOURNEY

Discipleship pundit Bill Hull writes, "Ship added