Only in the Local Church?
I continue to be amazed at the number of people whose paths I come across who have mistakenly been led to believe that if God is calling them toward some form of ministry, doing it in or connected to a local church is their only legitimate option.
It is sad to see such a truncated, warped ecclesiology hold back what could be a wave of highly committed, gifted, apostolic leaders. I am grieved at the wounds that are inflicted by such a view of the Church that is so biblically, theologically, historically and missiologically deficient.
Conversely, it is amazing when the “lights go on” for such leaders, particularly those who are thrashing around trying to find a structure into which they can fit. Too many get stuck in the unfortunate cul-de-sac of local church supremacy.
One of my greater joys is blowing out their limited understanding of where God’s calling can be accomplished, expanding the scope of what he could do with their lives, and helping these men and women find the right venues where they can break out of their shells and soar.
As in every age of the Christian movement, apostolic people need apostolic structures if their contribution to God’s kingdom purposes are to be fulfilled.
July 5th, 2008 at 11:23 am
...preach it, brother!
...preach it
...with you on every word!!
July 6th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hey Sam – Thanks for this post. It’s something I’m wrestling through these days myself, as I work both in a pastoral capacity and as a program director for different denominations. I am called to minister. I am in ministry, in vastly different denominational contexts. And yet, figuring out what path to take (whether in the local church setting or elsewhere) is difficult.
To be perfectly honest, I find I still have a blindspot when it comes to Other Options. Especially when there is much encouragement to enter local church ministry, and not as much (that I’ve found) for other forms. Thoughts? Help?
andrew
July 7th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Sam—Great post. I think you hit the nail on the head with the phrase ‘apostolic structures.’ Structures are so different than programs. It seems that the church is tied to programs, which draw a specific audience. Structures on the other hand are broader, yet still focused.
As a campus minister with Campus Crusade, that’s really what drew me to it. My church experience seemed so program-driven, yet Crusade seemed so structure-driven.
Thanks for the insight.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Andrew:
A few brief suggestions which I hope are helpful:
1) I believe in which “structure” one lands is primarily an issue of giftedness. If I exhibit “apostolic” gifting, then functioning in a pastoral roles could be frustrating. That doesn’t mean, however, that people with apostolic gifting can’t find a niche through the right ministry in a local church. Rather, if that’s the setting they choose, they inevitably will find other structures that are broader and “outside” if their gifting is to be fully used. Often times, they create these structures.
2) Have you looked at the vast array of other ministries outside of local churches? Are you in setting where you get exposure to an array of other ministry opportunities. For example, at the Urbana Convention every three years, there are hundreds of ministries and agencies who take part as exhibitors.
As is characteristic with sodalities, such entities are focused, task-oriented and specialized. As you work to discern specifically what God has called you to do, then search for that agency or organization which matches that sense of calling, ie where personal calling and organizational calling mesh
3) Most apostolic structures are financially lean when compared to local churches, and the most common means of financial support is through personal fundraising. That’s a different paradigm from the way salaries are paid in local churches.
While not foolproof, it can actually serve as a qualifier and even a screening mechanism to help one determine if they can function in an entrepreneurial setting. I’ve found that most people with apostolic gifting are able, one way or the other, to find the resources necessary to fund themselves and others in such ministry. Of course, there are some qualifiers to this, particularly contextual and cultural challenges, but as a general rule, it is true.
All that to say that if you are serious about “other options,” be prepared for having to raise some form of financial support. As Henry Nouwen so aptly put it, fundraising is a profound experience in spiritual formation. Sharing your vision and helping other people make wise stewardship decisions to partner with you comes with the turf in an apostolic calling.