Churches and ministries must distinguish between the message and methodology — between the non-negotiables and the negotiables. God, as seen in His Word, never changes (Ps. 90:2; Isa. 40:8; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17).
How we present the message can, and should, change as needed (1 Cor. 9:19-22). We can take creative liberties in the presentation of the message but we must never alter the message itself. We become relevant through methodology, not compromising the message. There’s a difference between being responsive to a changing world and redefining truth.
To Read:
- Christ-like Communication: Adaptable
- Creativity Needed in All of Ministry, Not Just Teaching
- Gaining Favor Without Compromising Truth – Really?
- How Responsive is Your Church?
- Making Even Well-Known Truths Relevant
- Not Everything Changes in a Changing World
- Should We Be Concerned about Relevancy in Ministry?
- How Can We as a Church be Relevant?
- We Need More Than Relevancy
Principles to Follow in Our Ministry Methodology
While we could probably list a number of principles to guide us in our choice and use of methods, we will narrow it down to three points that should encompass it all. Notice the phrase “whatever you do” in the Scripture verses used for each principle. Certainly that terminology includes methodology.
- Make sure we can say we are doing it in Jesus’ name. — And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus … (Col. 3:17)
- Christ-like Ministry
- God’s Heart for the Church: Christ-like Character
- God’s Power: The Name of the Lord
- Ministry: Do All in the Name of Jesus
- Make sure we can say what we do is to God’s glory. — whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
- Glorifying God in Ministry: Both Results & the Process Matter
- Ministry Endeavors: Doing Whatever You Do to the Glory of God
- Make sure we remember the one to whom we are accountable. — Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human master (Col. 3:23)
The Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool gives a few more thoughts to consider about each of the above principles. Ministry Methodology is one of nine different key elements to doing ministry God’s ways in this resource.