Musing – Are we supposed to conduct programs?

Hebraic Musing – Are we supposed to conduct programs?

Did the Bible tell us to develop a “program” with methodology and training and assignments to disciple new believers, to greet at the door, to usher people to their seats, to tend to the children, to learn how to be a teacher, to learn how to witness, etc.?  If it is a sanctioned and promoted church program, then the church administration/leaders might find themselves assessing the effectiveness by counting members who sign up and attend the programs.  Unfortunately it’s too easy to forget to look for purposeful results of program(s).

A church program is a resource that has content already created, ready for use by churches – sometimes short-term, sometimes long-term.  How can these programs become problematic?  ** 

Have you seen programs which allow church members to escape responsibility for ministry?  Have you heard comments or attitudes like -- “That’s the job of the greeters”, “Our soup kitchen does that”, “The evangelism team…”, “the missions department…”, “the worship team…”, “the counselors…”, “Housekeeping… takes care of that”?  Maybe I am stepping on toes, but I thought Our Lord expects all of us to be doing all those activities?  Do we have to have attended a program or have a designated role in order to do those things?

Let’s discuss one of the many packaged “program” topics as an example – Discipleship. How is the role of “discipling” described in the Bible?   In the NIV the word “Disciple” appears 29 times and only refers to the individual followers of Christ.  The verb form is not found as an instruction to us.  BUT the word “Teach” appears 121 times and “Teaching” appears 89 times in addition.  Examples:

·      “Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.” Prov. 1:8 

·      “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”  2 Tim 2:2  

·      “They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42 

·      “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, …, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children…” Titus 2:3-4  

·      “… encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech…” Titus 2:6-8 

And the typical “Missions Program” encourages contributing; but “Go into all the world…” is in red letters.

How many other “programs” does the church have that allow Christians to be absolved from doing what God has commanded us and encouraged us to be doing? 

A dear friend told of the time she was in a Bible study and shared insights she received while reading the Bible.  A woman in the group said “Thank you for sharing your insights with us because now I don’t have to read the Bible myself since you’ve done it for me.”

Points to ponder

Does being in a program or team excuse one
                             from responsibility for other ministry(s)?

How much time and effort is spent meeting and organizing instead of DOING?

Know that I am not opposed to “Programs” as long as they do not become a substitute for DOING.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd,                                  March 29, 2016

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”  “Biblical Marriage”
“Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”   “Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

**  From Five Problems with Church Programs   -  Thom Rainer    November 9, 2015