Debbie Lantz

Luke 12:22-34

Natural and Supernatural Motivation

Abraham Maslow-created a model of human motivation called

“Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”. This is a very popular model used by
organizational design and leadership development professionals. It is
the closest model to emulate or explain the innate desire of a human
being to transcend beyond themselves to be in relationship with a
higher power. Abraham Maslow reported himself to be an atheist yet
his model most closely describes our human desire for God.
Interesting huh?

Why do we need to know this?

• To understand when we are thinking and operating in the natural
versus the supernatural and learn to flip the switch from the
natural to the supernatural quickly and effectively
• To understand how to use this information to be more effective
with our marketing and how we talk with potential candidates.
• To more accurately screen candidates and know how to minister
to people where they are.

Maslow’s theory is based on the concept that certain needs must be

met before we are willing to focus on higher level needs. See the
example listed below:

Transcendence

Self Actualization

Esteem

Belonging

Security

Physiological

Definitions:
Physiological needs- include the need to sleep, eat and have a
comfortable environment where it is not too hot, not too cold.
• If these basic needs aren’t met, it is hard for a
person to be motivated to focus on anything else.
• Because it is a base need, it has a tremendous
amount of power.
o Addictions are rooted here
o Exercise doesn’t happen because of physical
discomfort
o Source of most ministry needs in the world

List companies that target physiological needs when they

market:

Security needs-includes the need for financial, emotion and

physical safety.
• Here is where we must start when meeting a
candidate for the first time. No matter how friendly
or open a person appears to be, they will guard
themselves until they know they will be safe. They
will test us to make sure we aren’t out to steal their
money, shame or embarrass them.
o If we misunderstand this, we may pass over a
good candidate by taking their guarded
approach personally.

List companies that target safety needs when they market.

Belonging needs-the need to feel loved and to belong to a

group.
• This need drives our desire to belong to the “right”
groups, country clubs and fraternities or sororities
• It is why people won’t quit a bad job, and why they
are affected so deeply by lay offs.
• Core reason for gang membership
• Core reason sited for why people love AC. Must
make sure a candidate is attracted to AC for the
business opportunity not because they want to
belong.

List companies that target belonging when they market.

 Esteem needs-the need to feel good about oneself. To have
confidence in one’s abilities. To be recognized as having
capabilities or skills by peers.
• Drives the need for more education or
certifications
• Drives the need for titles and increased
responsibility
• Attainment of skill can be mistaken as personal
growth
• Struggle for long periods of time can erode
esteem and push people down to lower level
motivations
• Can stop a business in it’s tracks because
confidence in based on knowledge and ability

Self Actualization-the need to feel like there is purpose and that

daily activities are a quest for contribution.
• Interested in personal growth and contributing to
others.
• There is more interest in others than self. There
is a willing to get involved in solving the problems
of the world.
• Low stress and high functioning behaviors.

Transcendence-the need to connect with something or someone

bigger than self.
• Peak experiences, bliss and epiphanies.
o Physiological pleasure can be mistaken as
transcendence
 Extreme sports
 Drugs
• Wisdom
• Universalism, new age teachings are successful
because they promise people this is obtained.
o Religions like Buddhism’s attainment of
nirvana fits here
Where are you on Maslow’s Hierarchy? Where are your thoughts
residing?

Where are most of your candidates on this heirarchy?

As Christians, our acceptance of what Jesus did for us allows us to

transcend into our inheritance “ heir”archy which is based on Luke
12:22-34 and looks like this:
 Needs met

Safe and secure

Belong to the Body

Confidence and Recognition

Daily activities that are purposeful

Acceptance of Christ and His promises

Holy Spirit insight and bliss
Luke 12:31

Key Points:

1) Assume that most candidates are operating in the natural. When

meeting people for the first time, we must start at Level 2
(emotional security). Once we establish trust, we can get close
enough to know which hierarchy they are on and at what level.
2) People are attracted to those who operate at a level above them
in the natural.
3) Marketing language needs to include all levels of motivational
needs.
4) Natural basic needs are real. Jesus knew it which is why most of
His miracles were in the areas of physical healing and helping
the poor. Our ministry can greatly impact the willingness of
people to hear the gospel if we are in a position to meet basic
physical needs. We must meet them where they are.
5) It is important that we get serious about accepting our place on
the inheritance hierarchy and establishing our authority over our
own circumstances so that we can get on with the Great
Commission.
a. Fasting
b. Tithing and Sacrificial Giving of money and time
c. Joining a church or getting active in a ministry
d. Studying and understanding God’s word at deeper levels
e. Getting real with God, Repentance and Restoration –Prayer
and Praise.

http://TheMarketplaceMinister.com