Programs are useful things, but they are not ministry in and of
themselves. I appreciate the illustration given in the title of Colin
Marshall and Tony Payne’s book, The Trellis and the Vine. In
it, programs are likened to a trellis that provides a structure for the
growing vines (i.e. people). This helpful illustration properly places
church programs as a means not an end.
As a pastor at a church that is potentially going from a high school
to a permanent building soon, there have been many discussions on how to
utilize the new building. For the first time we can have ministries
throughout the week at a central location anytime we want. The
possibilities seem endless. But we have to evaluate these potential new
programs and the old ones to see if they are the best ways to accomplish
ministry in our local context. Here are some criteria I am personally
using:
1) Do they promote ministry?
With this question, I want to evaluate whether the program is an end
unto itself or actually promotes gospel ministry and discipleship?
Christmas programs are a great way to invite the community to your
church, but if the gospel isn’t preached and the glory of Christ is not
proclaimed, it is waste of time and money. Likewise, men’s breakfasts
are great as long as they have a greater purpose and don’t evolve into
simply breakfast with the guys. As Jesse wrote about evangelism, “Its about people not programs.” Continue at The Cripplegate
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