Need-oriented Evangelism & Functional Structures

After introducing such acceptable essential qualities as EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP, GIFT-ORIENTED MINISTRY, PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY and INSPIRING WORSHIP, today we must consider two qualities of living church that are riddled with clichés, dogmas, myths and errors, that cause most controversy in many churches.
Church Growth is inconceivable without EVANGELISM. Yet, there were mistakes made in the past by some who used “pushy” manipulative methods to get people into church. Many feel a strange sensation when we hear the word “evangelism.” Yet, “Evangelism” means bringing the good news to people in need, sharing this gospel in a way that meets the questions and wants of non-Christians. Gospel gives realism to the chaos of human longings, it orders lives, and gives purpose and direction in a world that has no vision of future.
Thus we must consider a NEED-ORIENTED EVANGELISM, and replace “manipulative programs” with addressing needs of already existing contacts, of those we associate and communicate daily. We must evangelize people on their terms and on their turf rather than on ours, going to them instead of expecting them to come to us. This is the essence of what Jesus meant when he declared “Go!” (Matthew 28:19). This is the model Jesus demonstrated when He was here on Earth. He was criticized by traditionalists for hanging out with sinners (Luke 15:2). This is what Paul meant when he “became all to all” (1st Corinthians 9:22).
A pen of inspiration described this type of Evangelism as: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, 143)
On another occasion she commented that Jesus “sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts.-- (Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 151)
Instead of waiting the world to respond to our needs, we must respond to their needs, be “fishers” of people. Instead of using traditional comfortable methods that are not successful, in harmony with Jesus’ approach we will abandon traditional structures! Here I said it! Who cares for structures that are not functioning?
FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES is the criteria of evaluating our church life! Church structures are never and end in themselves, but only means. What ever is not functioning must be either changed and fixed to function, or laid to rest. The greatest resistance will come from traditionalism: “we’ve always done it that way.” Just remember that traditionalism was always the greatest factor of decline and arrested growth.
What do you care for – form and structure, or effectiveness and efficiency? Dead matter and living organisms are not distinguished much by their substances – but by their functionality of structures.
God has placed His Church here for a purpose, and if we are not fulfilling the purpose – there is no other reason for being. Organization was created to accomplish the mission. If it is not accomplishing the task set – it must be re-organized. Structures exist to function, and not to self-preserve. When mission becomes subservient to the organization – a dysfunctional system results. Dysfunctional structures is simply work of the devil. “Satan is ever working to have the service of God degenerate into dull form, and become powerless to save souls. While the energy, earnestness, and efficiency of the workers become deadened by the efforts to have everything so systematic, the taxing labor that must be done by our ministers to keep this complicated machinery in motion, engrosses so much time that the spiritual work is neglected. And with so many things to run, this work requires so large an amount of means that other branches of the work will wither and die for want of due attention.” (Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, 333)
Don’t confuse organizational structures with the doctrines of the church. When an existing structure becomes hindrance – it’s time to change the structure. Check your structures. Are they functional?