Thanks for sharing this! This post makes me think of the book, The Trellis And The Vine. Programs/Structure are the trellis; people are the vine. And we must ALWAYS stay focused on the vine, and not get caught up building elaborate trellis. The trellis exists to serve the vine, and not the other way around; and church structures must exist to serve God's people, and not the other way around. I particularly appreciate your point that sometimes when we call people to do "ministry" in the church, we hinder them from being the presence of Jesus wherever they live, work and play.
Thanks for sharing this! This post makes me think of the book, The Trellis And The Vine. Programs/Structure are the trellis; people are the vine. And we must ALWAYS stay focused on the vine, and not get caught up building elaborate trellis. The trellis exists to serve the vine, and not the other way around; and church structures must exist to serve God's people, and not the other way around. I particularly appreciate your point that sometimes when we call people to do "ministry" in the church, we hinder them from being the presence of Jesus wherever they live, work and play.
Great insights. Thanks for engaging and sharing.