Churches have classes for different age groups, and perhaps groups based on gender. A variety of different programs or strategies tend to be started to meet varying interests and needs. Different teams of people will tend to different types of ministry.
All of this can be good but such programming does have the potential to fragment the Body.
Programs Must Never Supersede People and the Good of the Whole
As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” . . . But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Cor. 12:20-27)
All parts of the body are needed. Just as with the human body, so the Body of Christ was designed to be interdependent. You can’t have an arm or a leg working separate from the rest of the body. They must work in cooperation with one another to bring about a greater good.
All parts of the body are important. Failing to have “equal concern for each other” brings division. Children and youth are important, but so are adults. Men are important but so are women. To completely fragment the Body by programs for each group and need, takes away opportunity to learn from one another and grow because of our differences.
All parts of the body are integrated with the whole body. Each person and each ministry within the church belong to one another. A bigger picture exists wherein we are better because of each other and can do more collectively than independently.
To Prevent Programming from Dividing the Church Work at Keeping Them Coordinated
Just as the human body has a central nervous system connected to the brain, so the Body of Christ in all its varying parts and ministries must be coordinated so we are all aiming toward one purpose, united in Christ Jesus who is the Head.
If you are a church leader, you have a critical role in this. Read more: Leadership Skill of Ministry Coordination
Take a look at your church: Are there divisions in your Body due to programming? If so, what can you do to keep meeting the needs for which the programs are intended, yet integrate everyone into the whole?
for sure I need more lessons coz am newly appointed cordinator at campus fellowship. I request u send me more lessons on the email.
Nkoyoyo Johnpaul, praise God for the opportunity for you to serve as coordinator of campus fellowship. We generally post new articles in this blog once a week so let me suggest you click here to subscribe to receive email notice of new posts. Let me also suggest that you check out lists of resources on this site that may be of benefit to you. Click on this link where you can then choose resource pages that might be of greatest need to you: Ministry Resources & Tools for Equipping, Training, & Ideas