I consult with pastors and churches needing help in the mission area. I am amazed that many of them have solid mission statements. In other words, the vision is spot on. They so clearly want to make new disciples that they have put it in writing. Many also have ministry structures in place. Though there is always room for new missional projections, many churches have existing structures working for them. So why would they want to meet with me if they already have vision and structure. Allow me to illustrate.
The church could be compared to a football team. They have a coach (pastor) with a clear vision, and associate coaches over each department: running backs, receivers, line, etc. But having those things is not enough to create a winning football team. This dynamic is true in the church as well. Good football programs know that vision and structure only matter if it leads to the team producing on the field. These sports entities measure themselves by game performance. If not winning, they examine why? They dig into the details necessary to succeed on the field. The wide receiver is not pushing deep enough in his pattern to create separation. The Quarterback must throw before he makes the break. Catch the darn ball! In order to win they must pay acute attention to what is actually happening, and as needed, adjust.
This illustrates, of course, what is often missing in today’s church. We have vision, and sometimes structure, but we are not good at executing God’s mission. We fail to mobilize and train members to reach new people and produce disciples. There is a lot of careful detailing involved in making those efforts fruitful. I have seen churches with compassion ministries that have reached no one for Christ. Likewise, just because you call it a “missional group” does not mean it is missional. Christians love to think they are impacting the world, when often they are not doing what is necessary.
This topic touches the heart of my calling. I want to help churches be effective. If you don’t have a stream of people coming into the faith, growing as disciples, and then reaching ever extending networks of people, you are not winning. In football terms, you are on the losing side. In the church, we need to be honest about what is actually happening through our people. We don’t have a scoreboard, but someone needs to be watching closely—so that critical adjustments can be made.