The Impossible isn’t a problem.
“Exploring Wicke
d Problems” [1] by Bentley and Toth offers a brilliant, albeit lengthy, exploration of the distinction between “wicked and tame” [2] problems. Many leaders are likely acquainted with this concept, which is difficult to dispute at its core. The authors highlight that while some problems are clear-cut and easily addressed, others are intrinsically complex, messy, and unpredictable. [3]
As an underpinning thought to the book and blog, I have always loved Theodore Rubin’s quote about the impossible. I often paraphrased it when speaking to pastors and leaders. “The impossible isn’t a problem. The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise & thinking that having problems is a problem. A problem is merely an environment where the impossible is done.” [4] (Italicised is Rubin’s direct quote). Reworking Rubin’s famous idea has enabled me to leverage the possibilities that abound within problems rather than allowing their frustrations to rule and ruin life and ministry. I must admit, however, that I did not like Bentley and Toth’s statement, “You’ll always have eighty-three problems.”[5] (More later).
Before addressing the verbosity of the book, there were some aha moments worthy of consideration on the leadership journey, many of which find support in the teaching of the Bible.
First, the authors argue that wicked problems cannot be definitively solved but only managed through temporary arrangements. [6] This reality aligns with the biblical truth that human challenges are often ongoing and require continuous wisdom and discernment. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun,” emphasising the cyclical nature of challenges. A discerning leader may recognise this early in the book, skipping to practical discussions of taming problems and messes in Chapters 13 and 20. While the content between these chapters may feel unnecessary, it is accessible and engaging, with anecdotal storytelling suitable for casual readers. Proverbs 18:15 states, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out,” encouraging leaders to glean valuable insights wherever they are found. The summaries of wicked problems on pages 24, 27, 53, 87, 88, 92, and 113 build progressively, offering readers a deeper understanding of the nature of such issues. Focusing on the later chapters offers practical wisdom for the leader seeking actionable steps, while the earlier sections provide a broader philosophical grounding. Both elements have their place, though not all may feel equally essential to every reader.
Secondly, the practical steps for characterising and taming problems and messes, Bentley and Toth, offer valuable relational insights, particularly when navigating issues of right and wrong. They draw upon the 13th-century poet Rumi’s words: “Out beyond the ideas of right and wrong, there is a garden. I’ll meet you there.” [7] This perspective aligns with biblical principles that prioritise reconciliation and harmony. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Pastoral courses like the Alpha Marriage Course[8] similarly teach the importance of depersonalising issues to address root causes, fostering relational healing and forward movement, reflecting Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Bentley and Toth’s inclusion of Rumi’s perspective underscores the need to preserve the value of relationships, avoiding the creation of enemies even in the face of ideological or identity conflicts. The author’s work provides a framework for addressing problems without diminishing the significance of relationships, fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation in an era of division.
Further, the author’s encouragement to FIO[9] or Figure it out is refreshing in terms of defining mess. Rather than just acknowledge that problems exist, they exist within the scope of Rubin’s realm of possibility. Messes and problems exist not to frustrate but to create a desire to FIO, even if it is a wicked problem and can only be effectively managed until the next generation takes the lead.[10] Especially helpful in the context of FIO is the author’s inclusion of the acronym PERMA.[11] The PERMA model aligns with Scripture as a gold standard for flourishing:
- P: Positive Emotion: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
- E: Engagement: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
- R: Relationships: “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).
- M: Meaning: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).
- A: Accomplishment: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Philippians 3:14).
Finally, it is worth highlighting the authors’ concluding reflections, drawing on Richard Selzer’s poignant observation: “The pathetic belief that the way to heal the world is to take it in for repairs. One on one. One at a time.”[12] Bentley and Toth build on this sentiment by encouraging individuals to “do what only they can do,” [13] setting the stage for leaders to take meaningful action. While challenges persist, both tame and wicked, there will always be opportunities for individuals to step forward and make a difference.
The book, however, is laborious. The text often suffers from repetitiveness and verbosity, complicating its central thesis. While the distinction between tame and wicked problems is conceptually compelling, the authors repeatedly reiterate core ideas in different contexts without introducing substantial new insights, making the book feel unnecessarily prolonged. The book’s extended treatment gives the impression of aiming to meet word-count requirements rather than necessarily enhancing understanding. Despite the small, easy to read chapters, a more concise exploration of the topic could have delivered the same insights with greater impact and readability, ultimately benefiting the audience’s engagement.
And finally, as promised in the introduction, a review of the author’s 83 Problems. Unfortunately, you now have 84.[14] I have exceeded my word count and can’t delve into it here. You’re welcome.
[1] Bentley and Toth.
[2] Ibid, Xiii-Xiv.
[3] Ibid.
[4]Rubin, Theodore Isaac. 1983. One To One: Understanding Personal Relationships. New York: Viking Press.
[5] Bentley, Joseph, and Toth Michael. 2020. Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important. Archway Publishing. 47.
[6] Ibid, 24.
[7] Ibid, 87.
[8] https://alpha.org/the-marriage-course/
[9] Ibid, 104-105.
[10] Ibid 33.
[11] Ibid, 165.
[12] Ibid, 219.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid, 47.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding & lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 29 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 650 churches in our movement and have planted 98 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the Global Chair for Church planting for Assemblies of God which currently has 420,000 churches and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!12 responses to “The Impossible isn’t a problem.”
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ha. great post Glyn. Cheeky 🙂
how would you coach someone through a wicked problem they feel stuck in? Is the PERMA tool where you would point them? How do they navigate the swamp from a Christ-centered perspective?
Glyn,
Yes. Very cheeky and British indeed.
I was half expecting being in a cohort with me to be the 84th problem 🙂 I get a sense that you felt that the book was a little repetitive and offered little new material through the book. I agree, but I was also happy to have an easy read for the week. I know that you are engaged in many different wicked problems. Which wicked problem are you most excited about engaging right now?
Ha! You as the 84th problem—brilliant. Your British humour is really coming on mate.
Right now, the wicked problem that excites me most is leading AG global church planting growth from 420,000 to 1,000,000 churches. It’s messy, unpredictable, and requires both faith and flexibility. The challenge? Scaling leadership and resourcing in culturally diverse settings while maintaining unity and momentum.
It’s wicked because there’s no single solution. Every context demands different approaches, and what worked in one place may not translate elsewhere. But that’s also what makes it exciting! It requires:
Raising resilient, adaptable leaders, Innovative structures for support & accountability and a deep reliance on God.
So, yes, this wicked problem is both exhilarating and daunting. (Hmmm, now I think about it, should church planting really be a “wicked problem?” (Ahem))
Ha thanks Ryan. So many questions. Hope you don’t mind a long(ish) answer
When coaching someone through a wicked problem, I would first focus on helping them redefine success, not as “solving” the problem but as learning how to manage it well. Wicked problems require a shift from solution-based thinking to adaptive, ongoing engagement.
The PERMA model is definitely a helpful framework, especially for maintaining personal well-being in the face of complexity, but I wouldn’t use it as the primary problem-solving tool. Instead, I’d coach them through these Christ-centered lenses:
1. Faith & Wisdom (James 1:5) – Wicked problems require ongoing discernment and divine wisdom.
2. Community & Collaboration (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) – No one navigates a swamp alone. The right voices matter.
3. Resilience & Calling (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) – A leader must embrace grit and perseverance.
To navigate the swamp, I’d ask them:
1. What is within your control? (Practical management)
2. Who can help you think differently? (Fresh wisdom)
3. Where is God at work in this? (Spiritual anchoring)
4. What’s the next faithful step? (Momentum over mastery)
So, PERMA supports the journey, but faith and leadership principles provide the compass.
Hi Glyn,
Thank you for introducing PERMA.
How does the author’s encouragement to “Figure It Out” (FIO) relate to Rubin’s concept of the realm of possibility and the PERMA model?
Thanks Shela.
FIO is an practical, action-oriented mindset. Instead of feeling paralysed by the mess, you commit to working through it. Rubin’s concept of problems being “an environment where the impossible is done” provides the philosophical foundation, while PERMA supports the well-being of the leader navigating the problem.
Here is how I see it:
– FIO says: “Move forward despite the mess.”
– Rubin says: “This mess is actually where breakthroughs happen.”
– PERMA says: “Here’s how to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy while you engage in it.”
Glyn,
I appreciate your bringing Ecclesiastes 1:9 into the post. “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” My daughter and I were discussing Furedi’s book and Tolstoy’s War and Peace and this verse came up.
Is there an Impossible that you are currently working out?
I love that this discussion flowed from Ecclesiastes 1:9 into Furedi and Tolstoy! Right now, my “Impossible” is:
How do we create a movement where churches genuinely operate with a common language for leadership flexibility?
Church leadership, especially in large movements, often struggles with rigidity vs. adaptability. Many leaders hold onto traditional structures, while others want to abandon them entirely. The sweet spot is developing a flexible leadership model that equips churches to thrive in uncertainty while staying biblically anchored. The challenge? Getting buy-in across diverse theological and cultural landscapes. But if we get this right, it could transform church leadership globally. This is what my NPO is focussed on.
Hi Glyn, I appreciate your reference to ‘depersonalizing issues to address root causes,’ so that there can be a focus on relationship that would allow people to work together as they seek ways to move forward. However, it was your focus on growing the ministry in one of your replies that changed my focus of your post. Brett Fuller and his calling to bring the church to all the areas of DC came to mind. While you are working for the kindgom globally, I am curious if the two of you might have connected to share how God works in different settings for those who love the Lord and are called to grow as well.
Hi Diane. Thank you. Brett and I did not get to connect in DC. Whilst having a lot in common, I’m sure that ideologically we would sit in different areas also. Undoubtedly, he is amazing and accomplishing significant things in his area of service.
Glyn, FIO is a good reminder to leaders not to get discouraged and to continue to press in. From your perspective, what are some of the big issues church leaders need to apply the FIO approach to?
Yeah, I love FIO – so versatile. Its a great question with sooooo many answers. I’ll give you ten of the top of my head.
1. Navigating Cultural & Generational Shifts.
2. Discipleship in a Distracted, Digital World.
3Keeping Churches Unified Amid Political & Social Divisions.
4. Raising & Retaining Leaders.
5. Financial Sustainability & Generosity in Economic Uncertainty.
6. Church Growth & Multiplication in a Post-Christian Society.
7. Emotional & Mental Health of Leaders.
8. Rebuilding Trust & Credibility in Church Leadership.
9. Mobilising the Whole Church for Mission, Not Just Professionals.
10. Persevering When Growth Feels Slow or Stalled.