SEEKING NATURAL CHURCH GROWTH

Need #5 – Functional Structures

Why Organization?

“An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.”

Jack Welch, CEO General Electric

Stifled By Tradition

Can tradition stifle the word of God? Mark 7:1-8 Eating with ceremonially unwashed hands. Traditions of the elders “’This people honors me with their lips, but

their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

Mark 2:23-28

Grain field on Sabbath Disciples pick heads of grain

to eat Pharisees challenge as

unlawful Jesus reminds them of David “The Sabbath was made for

man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Phrases To Defend Status Quo We’ve never done

it that way. We’ve always

done it that way. If it ain’t broke,

don’t fix it. We must do

everything decently and in order.

(1 Cor. 14:40)

“’If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is the slogan of the com-placent,the arrogant or the scared. It’s an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms.” – Colin Powell

Is it possible our structures might prevent us from reaching our potential?

Five monkeys Potroast

Stifled By Disorganization

God has provided organization for the church.

Ephesians 4:11 --And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers

1 Corinthians 11:3

“But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

Elders For Each Congregation Titus 1:5 – For this

reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.

Organized for our Mission

Making Disciples Matthew 28:19 – Go,

therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit….

Fellowship

2 Corinthians 13:14 -- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Maturing

Romans 14:19 – “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Representing Christ

Matthew 5:13-16 Salt Light

Do Our Structures Work?

Do they support our mission?

Do they further the work of the Kingdom?

Are they relevant?