Ministries vs. Programs

The trend for us today is for the follower of Jesus to be radical - for churches to be radical. This is in reaction against the "attractional" church model. So, what is be posited is the "missional" church model that does away with "programs".

Every church, and I mean every church, is to some degree an attractional church. People are attracted for various reasons. Some of the reasons are not biblical to be sure. What we want is the attraction is to be Jesus an d not us. So, then here is the issue - the attractional model is usually said to be the Sunday worship service and other programs that are need based.

The leaders of any given body will need to discern how people are to be lead to and see the Lord in the power of the Spirit. The lessons learned hopefully become a part of every day habits that reflect the reality of Jesus Christ.

What becomes "programs" are when they cater to what the individuals want with little regard for the gospel and transformation that leads to spiritual growth that affects the lives of others.

These same "programs" can be "ministries" if there is gospel intent that meet the needs and equips for the work of the ministry.

As I work with churches I try to help them see what God is trying to develop in them and what they may need to do in order to become what the Lord wants them to become. This will involve different ministries, a change of ministries, and maybe dropping some old ones.

My counsel is for churches looking to be missional is, don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

Living A Different Lifestyle

Romans 12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds." Many believers have heard this verse preached on numerous occasions. Probably more than they can remember. Does this mean we are anti world? I know I John 2 tells not to love the world. But does this mean we are against the world? I think not. John 3:16 which many believers quote says that God loves the world. If we look at the Romans verse in context we are to lay down our lives - die to self - not let the world so influence us that we adopt the world's values. We then are to have a renewing - a changing of our minds
So, how am I to understand Romans 12:2. We are to live differently to demonstrate the mercies of God. The problem I see for many of us who are said to be followers of Jesus, those going the way of Jesus are actually not doing so. Instead we have been conformed to this world's values. We think like the world and do exactly as the world. How is this done? By our judging those who do not believe or follow Jesus. Who made us judge! Jesus is the judge. By our hating of other people groups and religion. The world does this. Was this not what Jesus was teaching against in the Good Samaritan or the Woman at the Well?
We are to disciple people toward Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. We are not the Holy Spirit. We disciple by demonstrating His grace, His goodness, His glory, and His greatness.