“An Effective Christian, Church or Ministry is Driven by Supra-Cultural Biblical Principles”

Definition: Drive - "To guide, control, and direct" Every Church or Ministry is driven by some force.... –By tradition –By personalities –By financial situation –By programmes and activities –By houses or buildings –By family, events etc. –By individuals or groups who may be pagans, seekers, relatives, groups, Christians etc.

Foundational Biblical Principles The Fundamental, Empowering, Empowering, Enduring, Enduring,Supra-cultural, Essential, Essential, Biblical truths Biblical truths that serve as the essential foundation for the building of a healthy Christian life, Ministry or church Community. that serve as the essential foundation for the building of a healthy Christian life, Ministry or church Community. God’s Kingdom will grow automatically as these principles are lived out in their life. God’s Kingdom will grow automatically as these principles are lived out in their life.

Mark 4:26-28 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.

Foundational Biblical Principles The fundamental, empowering, empowering, enduring, enduring,supra-cultural, essential, essential, Biblical truths Biblical truths that serve as the essential foundation for the building of a healthy Christian life, Ministry or church Community. that serve as the essential foundation for the building of a healthy Christian life, Ministry or church Community. God’s Kingdom will grow automatically as these principles are lived out in their life. God’s Kingdom will grow automatically as these principles are lived out in their life. Methods are many; God’s Principles are few. Methods may change, but God’s Principles never do!

Foundational Biblical Principles Empowering Servant Leadership Every member ministry Prayerful Passionate Spirituality Flexible functional structures Inspiring worship services Wholistic Community GROUPS Relational Christ-centred evangelism Loving Embracing relationships

Defining Your Vision and Mission based on the Key Principles Why is it important? 1. It Builds Morale "Let there be real harmony so there won't be any splits in the church...Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10 (LB) Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

2. It Reduces Frustration "God gives perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 (GN) "...standing firm with one common purpose..." Philippians 1:27 (GN) "....the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn." James 1:8 (Ph)

3. It Allows Concentration (Paul) "I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing, forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13 (LB) Efficiency:"doing things right" Effectiveness:"doing the right things!

4. It Attracts Co-operation "You have helped me in the work of the gospel...." Philippians 1:15 (GN) "If your goals are good, you will be respected." Proverbs 11:27 (GN) 5. It Assists Evaluation "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." 2 Corinthians 13:5

Applying Your Principles It's not enough to just define and communicate your Principles. The key to application is BALANCE! Without an intentional plan to balance the Biblical principles, you will tend to overemphasise one ahead of the others… Personally, Ministry and Church.

TRADITIONAL CHURCH PARADIGMS Many Churches tend to focus on only one Biblical principle ChurchParadigm Primary Focus Pastors Role Peoples Role Primary Target Key Term Central Value Tools Used Worship Style Source of Legitimacy SoulWinning Evangelis m EvangelistBringers The Community ToSave Decisions For Christ Visitation/ Altar Calls Traditional & Evangelistic NumberBaptised EncounterGodWorshipPerformerAudienceTheCrowdToFeelPersonal Expe- rience Stage & MusicCharismaticPentecostal"TheSpirit" Family & Community Fellow’ ship ChaplainFamily The Congreg- ation To Belong Loyalty & Tradition Fellowship & Buffet Historical & Covenantal OurHeritage Wholistic Groups & Cells TeachingInstructorStudent The Committed ToKnow Bible Know- ledge Notebooks /Overhead Pedago- gical Inform- ational Teaching Social & Relational MinistryReformerActivistTheCoreToCare Justice & Mercy Petitions & Placards Liturgical & Formal Number of Needs Met LeaderLed Leader’s Vision Authorit-arianFollowerTheCosmosToFollow Loyalty & TrustLeaderDependantGreatVariety Where are we going? SpiritualDiscovery Spiritual- ity Director Partici- pate TheCalledToSenseMysticism & Journey Meditation & Silence Reflective Partici- pation Spiritual Journey FormalStructured Traditions Structure s Priest Attender’ s The Consti- tuents ToComply Maintain & Adhere to Icons & Traditions Liturgical & Traditional Stabilty & Status Quo

Paradigm Primary Focus Pastors Role Peoples Role Primary Target KeyTerm Central Value ToolsUsed Worship Style Source of Legitimacy PrincipleDrivenBalance Of All 8 ShepherdEquipper Empowerer Releaser MinistersAllEight To Be & To Do SharedChristlikeLivesA Life Development Process Inspiring Blended Seeker Sensitive Changed Lives Foundational Principle Driven Church Philosophy Insures Health and leads to a Christ Centred Community