When it becomes necessary to examine and evaluate the paradigms of organized ministry, and, when godly calling, stewardship responsibility, and increased opportunity for ministry beg for action, it becomes our task to prayerfully scrutinize the purposes, methods, and structures of our current ministry efforts. Thus, we, a group of Missionary Church denominational leaders, have been about this task for the past several years, and in the next few pages will offer our recommendations for a fresh ministry vision and supporting structure.
However, we acknowledge and affirm that no amount of new vision formulation, goal establishment, or structural reorganization can replace the biblical response of, “Lord, here am I, send me!” Dynamic passion, found in the heart of a Spirit-called pastor/leader, coupled with the Spirit-led obedience of a local church, is the primary reason for the health and growth of any congregation. The same is true for any denomination and its organized entities. Vision documents, growth benchmarks, and reworked administrative flowcharts must not replace the call of God, and our obedience to his call.
Therefore, we disavow and reject any idea that vision formulation and structural change alone are the answers to more effective Missionary Church ministry. Rather, we recommit ourselves to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, trusting in the Holy Spirit to “provide the increase.”
With the above in mind, the following recommendations are attempts to address a world in need, how this need might be met in a more effective way, and how structural improvement might become more supportive of this effectiveness. It is our desire to help release called men and women to maximize the best use of their giftedness. The validation of our work will be, in part, determined by whether we have assisted in removing barriers that may hinder the Spirit’s work in our leaders and local churches. Thus, the spiritual and philosophical context of these recommendations is our New Testament calling, intercessory prayer, anointed leaders, and an effective structure that best supports a ministry vision for both the present and the future.
We also acknowledge that relationships and attitudes that bear the mark of Jesus will overcome almost any structural weakness. But if we lack the mark of Jesus, the best of structures become sterile, ineffective, and burdensome. It’s not a question of what we put on paper, but rather what we transmit from our hearts to our hands and feet that will establish the ministry pathway of the Missionary Church in a 21st-Century world.
Finally, these recommendations are (at best) beginning points, requiring additional refinement and adaptation. However, we believe they represent sound and solid starting points for helping the Missionary Church address the ministry challenges of the future. Still, we must remember that fresh vision, supported by an improved structure, will only succeed with the blessing, help, and power of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Intercessory Prayer
A Call to Evangelize and Disciple Making
A Call to Strengthen the Local Church
A Call to Plant New Churches and Districts
A Call to Recruit Catalytic Leaders