Functional Structures

Functional Structures: What are they?
Every organism has some kind of structure which defines it and makes its existence possible. Structure groups cells of various kinds together and not others, making a unique entity. Structure combines elements in ways that produce various compounds, but eliminates others. In some cases, the structures dominate, in others, the structures are all but invisible. In almost every case there are structures within structures, just as within the shape or structure of a leaf, there are structures which dictate photosynthesis, structures which boundary cells, structures which allow nutrients to come in to the leaf, etc. Thus, while we see only a leaf, were it not for the structures which allow it to function, there would be nothing. Every organism, then, not only has some kind of structure which defines it, but that structure itself is composed of other structures, giving it the possibility of functionality.

Systems Background
Probably one of the most freeing concepts to come from Natural Church Development is the truth that we are not responsible for producing fruit. This freedom allows the focus to be placed on areas which are within our ability to affect. By interacting with the eight characteristics of a healthy church we effectively, care for and intentionally enhance the environment so that, as God allows, fruit will come.

What I find interesting is the beauty of the connections. We see it everywhere in nature. The flowers are dependant upon the soil, the water, the air, the sunlight, and even the insects for pollination. Anyone of these factors can drastically affect the flower, and yet in harmony they produce great beauty. Scripture repeatedly uses the body as analogy for the church. I think that’s a wonderful picture into the intricacies of how even a small congregation is connected.
Our bodies truly are carefully and wonderfully made. Composed of cells and linked through a complex system of veins, arteries and nerves, over a structure of bone and cartilage, moved by muscles and independent thought, the body is marvelous. What is amazing is that even with all the complexity, it works wonderfully well. Yet, there are times when the body’s ability to function is impaired through accident, disease, age, etc. Its ability to function in a broader context is hampered by the impairment of function in a smaller context, e.g. sore throat, broken leg, toothache, etc. When this happens, even though only a small part of the body is primarily affected, the entire body’s ability to function is hampered or even destroyed (e.g. the world class skier who suffers an injury which makes it impossible to ever ski again).

In systems theory, all parts of an organism are perceived as connected and have the ability to affect the other parts. From the smallest cell to the defining boundaries, each part affects the whole. Interestingly, according to systems theory, although the strongest part gets recognized and valued, it is the weakest part which has the greatest power within the system. Natural Church Development recognized this truth with its focus upon the “minimum factor.” Regardless of the high levels of performance realized by any of the eight characteristics of a healthy church, the church’s true health depends upon the characteristic with the lowest level. Thus, while a church might have truly inspiring worship and appear healthy to the casual observer, it is the level of the lowest characteristic that dictates whether or not there is real health.

Structures which are Functional
Although “functional structures” is listed as one of the eight characteristics of a healthy church in its own right, it should also be observed that each of the other characteristics either has, or does not have, structures which are functional. Actually, it is the functionality of the structures within each characteristic which determine the health of that characteristic. Let’s look at some examples:

Empowering leadership is leadership which consciously seeks to empower others to their fullest potential. By giving away leadership to individuals equipped to accept responsibility and accountability, God’s work is multiplied. However, for this to happen there must exist structures which identify potential leaders as well as effective training method.

Gift oriented ministry is the heart of lay involvement and true edification of believers. For gift oriented ministry to become a reality there must exist structures which not only help identify gifts, but equip individuals to use their gifts and provide avenues for the use of those gifts.

“Holistic small groups” is considered one of the most important characteristics, yet the existence of these groups, and especially their health, depends totally upon structures which provide the right material, meeting parameters, and equipped leaders.

Inspiring worship seems to flow in the Spirit and brings the congregation into contact with God. What is not seen is the structures which include practice, music selection, and preparation, without which the flow becomes disjointed and distracting.

Loving relationships even require some structure. At the personal level relationships can become so static that without structures which motivate individuals to reach out to others, newcomers will feel excluded and unwanted. At the larger level, structure enables the church to effectively show the compassion which is part of its heart.

Need oriented evangelism is totally dependent upon structures which not only define the needs to be address but the methods of addressing those needs.

We would like to believe that at least passionate spirituality would be exempt from the need for structures. But here as well the need exists. The constant reminders of the prophets to the nation of Israel emphasize the fact that without structure people have a tendency to slip into spiritual apathy. In fact, it might be argued that one of the primary functions of the church itself is to provide the structure which motivates passionate spirituality. Yet, even within the church it doesn’t happen unless there are structures which point to the importance of consistent spiritual formation.

The characteristic of functional structures as used in NCD refers more specifically to the operational structures of organization and leadership, of resources and assets. In this are, at least, it is obvious that structure is imperative.

Identification Process
Since structures underlie each of the characteristics, how do we identify those structures, and whether or not they are truly functional?
After determining the characteristic with the “minimum factor” it is time to begin analyzing its underlying structures. In its most simplistic form, the steps to this analysis are:
1. Pray for guidance is selecting an analysis team
2. Call the team together and:
a. Pray together more than a simple prayer for God’s direction and guidance.
b. Appoint a recorder to record the information. This might seem obvious but this is VERY important.
c. Brainstorm together ONLY focusing upon those structures which currently exist to support that characteristic.
d. Work down the resultant list one by one discussing each point’s functionality. This is not the time to resource change, so stay focused. Place a triangle next to items which are not considered functional and a star next to items which are considered functional.
e. Send the team home with instructions to pray and meditate upon structures which will make this characteristic more functional.
f. At the next meeting begin again with prayer.
g. It is probable that this step may consume more than one meeting. Depending upon the size of the team it might speed things up to divide the team and assign each one certain points to discuss and come back with recommendations, which will also have to be discussed and modified before a consensus is reached.
3. Implementation of any recommendations MUST occur within the functional structures of the church as a whole and with the full knowledge and support of leadership.

Cautions
There are no formulistic solutions to church health. Two things which all solutions will have in common is prayer and a willingness to look objectively at what is and what might be.
Change, although inevitable, is studiously avoided by the church in general and can be threatening. The mere identification of a “minimum factor” will seem like heresy to some and a personal attack to others. Leaders would do well to understand the dynamics of influence and their own personal investment in relationships before challenging the security of entrenched pockets of power.