Rob Witham

Sometimes (okay, often times) we get hung up on maintaining old ministry models. These old models may have served well once upon a time but there is nothing sacred about the model or method. They are simply tools that, to varying extents, were useful and effective in communicating the Christian message.

Even a cursory reading of the Bible reveals different techniques being used effectively at different times. Each prophet had a unique style as did each New Testament writer; Paul adopted his ministry methods regularly as did Jesus. Jesus’ fundamental message did not change, but the way in which he delivered the message did change depending on his audience.

The New Testament is blessedly free of minutiae surrounding worship, evangelism, discipleship and many other religious affairs. It is not until after the Apostles have died off that significant writings begin to circulate describing precise details of worship services and sacramental procedures. We have yet to become un-entrenched from “the way we have always done it” thinking.

A solid understanding of the difference between message and methods becomes critical for the modern Christian community as we consider that the pace of change is only accelerating. Successful methods once lasted for generations; they now last only months or a few short years.

Brian Clark at Copyblogger has an article titled “Are The New Rules Of Marketing And PR Here To Stay?” Brian comments on the explosive evolution of new media (blogging, online video, social media news sites, etc.) and its impact on business, marketing and PR. He goes on to consider how even the mainstream corporate world is beginning to realize they have been asleep at the wheel. “Corporate America can no longer ignore the new rules that the rest of us have been busy following (and sometimes helping create) …” Those businesses that laughed at the advent of new media and thought life would continue as before are now either futilely scrambling to catch up or actively going out of business. No other option remains. They must adapt or face rapid annihilation and extinction.

There is a principle here for churches and ministries. The world is changing whether we like it or not. It simply does not matter whether we approve of, condone, accept or understand the changes taking place around us - the changes are occurring and will continue whether we are ready or not.

Like a child’s game of “Hide and Go Seek,” change is coming whether we are ready or not. Worse yet, change is accelerating at a historically unprecedented pace. This is like playing Hide and Go Seek with less time to hide with each successive round. Unfortunately, too often our response is a lot like that game too. We hide in our safe zone while clinging to the hope that change will not find us and we can continue on as we were.