Kingdom Infrastructure

In the realm of economic development, you often here folks talk about infrastructure. I like this definition of infrastructure from Dictionary.com -> the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organization.

In a place like Portsmouth, there is a great need for money. For there to be money, there must be good-paying jobs. For there to be good-paying jobs, there must be substantial businesses. To attract business, there must be good access to transportation, sufficient supporting resources, friendly local authorities, etc, etc. I'm sure we all have a basic understanding of the relationship between economic growth and infrastructure.

It is not very different in our congregation. As we seek to live out the mission of Jesus Christ in our corner of the world, there is a need for kingdom infrastructure development. Powerful and effective ministries must begin with small, slow, pioneering efforts. When we fly down the freeway 75mph, we easily forget that someone cleared this path, leveled the foundation, and paved the way.

As leaders, I think we often overlook this concept of congregational infrastructure. We often speak about the need to get everyone involved. The problem is a lack of viable opportunities. As leaders, we are involved, so involved that we take it for granted that everyone else has the same access to participation. Lately, I have talked with a couple of fellow congregants who desire involvement but cannot find a role that fits them. The fact is, there are not enough roles.

Lately, I have been working to promote the Angel Food program. My vision for this ministry is that it will provide a point of contact between members of Sunshine and our community. At its core, it will meet a basic need-food that is cheap. But, far more, it will create an environment of opportunity, where other ministerial efforts might emerge. I have no idea what other ministries might emerge from the Angel Food experience, but, if we do not make contact, nothing will happen.

As we contemplate the future of our congregation, I would like to see us think more like engineers. When we spout off some lofty objective like, "We need to get more people involved." We then stop, and ask ourselves, what infrastructure is needed for this goal to become a reality. An old cliche is applicable, "If we always do what we've always done, we will always get what we always got." As leaders, we have more work to do! It is not enough to stand from a distance and make great statements. We must follow-up by paving the road others will travel.

We cannot be afraid of failure. Angel Food may fall on its face. If it does, I will be very disappointed and will need to fight-off a sense of embarrassment and failure. I will fight it off, because deep down, I know I am attempting to make something where currently there is nothing. Failure is a normal part of the pioneering process.

We made some great strides in our last leadership retreat. I believe that now we must move to the next level of complexity. We have set forth some "whats" (mission statements), now we must think in terms of "how".

What are your thoughts?