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Measuring Ministry: Resources


I have only watched one episode of the new version of the MacGyver TV series, but the idea seems to be the same:  a really creative guy encounters a problem, looks around to see what resources are available, and then comes up with a solution.

We can learn from this approach.  When we consider a new challenge, we often think in terms of what we lack rather than what we already have.  As a church considers what God has called it to do, another basic step is to consider what has God already gifted us with.

In Farming Church, my colleague Mark Tidsworth writes:

“One, God has already given us many gifts for mission-congruent ministry. So, we believe God is active in everything we do as a congregation. Therefore, we do what we are able to do, giving God the glory for the gifts and capacity which allows us to do so. Two, God often provides what we need when we step into the void, when we attempt greater things for God.” (p. 54)

As you stop and take an honest assessment of your church, how has God already blessed you?  There are people with gifts, talents, and resources.  There is usually a facility that should be thought of a gift rather than a burden.  There is a context into which you have been placed. There is wisdom and experience that can be tapped.

In fact, if you want to make a difference in your community, your church will want to look outside the church door and take a deep dive into your context and learn all you can about the people, challenges, and services already in play.

A process like Appreciative Inquiry is a good way to look at who you are as a congregation and what you have been gifted to do.  Design Thinking can access the creativity not only of disciples in your congregation but provide a way to learn from stakeholders in the community. Asset-Based Community Development is a way to reach out to those in your community and discover ways to partner to meet needs.

In reality, God is already at work in your context and has provided much of what you need to become the church God wants you to be.



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