The aim of ministry organization restructuring is growing (both quality and quantity) the church through disciple-making. Most churches face a significant growth barrier between the sizes of 200 to 400 members. For such churches to break through to the next phase of growth, resources need to be channelled through organized ministry structure. A good ministry-structure can serve as a core engine of growth for churches from 200 to 800 in size.
Dr Philip Huan has consulted with us and the results are these key components of ministry structuring: Firstly, core product, which is, an agreed list of the traits we want to develop in the members God entrust to us. Secondly, the core process, which are the stages of the discipleship journey, its balance and the plugging of the gaps in between the stages. Thirdly, the core program, which are, the main instruments in the church that God will use to shape his people. In our case it is the church service, cell system and prayer gatherings. Fourthly, core pastoral leadership, which is the roles of the pastors and elders working together in harmony and mutual respect, to guide the process and discipleship journey. This article aims to describe the core product.
The discipleship journey must begin in the church with an end in mind. The core product spells out the kind of traits we want embodied in the members God entrust to us. Dr Philip Huan, our church consultant, guided G 20 or group of twenty pastors, elders and ministry heads and zone supervisors form all the component congregations: the kids, the youth, deaf, Chinese, and English Adult. After studies, discussions, prayer, and collation and summarizing we categorized all the results under each letter of the acronym S.W.O.R.D. The acronym stood for Service; Worship; Outreach; Relationship; Discipleship.
In September 2009, we had a strategic planning retreat at Batam. the participants were pastors, elders and the three senior leaders. The Spirit was stirring our hearts and there was the feeling that SWORD was not as resonant and consonant with our church history and core value and it was proposed and accepted that W.R,P,F. be the new acronym used instead and all the traits should be re-categorized under them. Surprisingly, WRPF captured all the traits and included the church’s distinctive values of missions and intercessory prayer.
WORLD- evangelism and missions
REVIVAL- work of the Holy Spirit (gifts and fruit of the Sprit)
PRAYER- prayer (intimacy and intercessory)
FELLOWSHIP – discipleship in community (making disciples through community)
Over the next five years we will emphasize the traits under the following acronym:
2010 – focus on developing WORLD(evengelism and missions); and PRAYER(intimacy and intercessory prayer)
2011 – we will focus on REVIVAL( gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit) and FELLOWSHIP (discipleship in community)
2012 – FELLOWSHIP
2013 – WORLD
2104- REVIVAL
Therefore in 2010, the programs planned will be deliberate and intentional in making disciples who will cultivate the traits of being compelled, compassionate and to have a community impact. It will also work at building disciples who seek God with intimacy and intercessory prayer. We urge the church to join ranks in being united in purpose and strategy.
KENNY CHEE
(based on slides presented by Alvin Lim, President, Board of Elders)