Early on in this blog I got a comment that interested me. The person asked “What are systems?”
That’s a strange question! I’ve done a little thinking here and I think it’s a better question than I thought it was originally.
Here’s my problem…I can’t come up with a single definition.
I can only tell you why we do systems.
Relationship is the point of our ministry. We have systems because relationship is messy. Systems bring order where there is unnecessary mess….So we can focus on the necessary mess of relationship.
Wow! That’s terrible…choppy…confusing…and important.
Since I can’t come up with a set definition so I am going to take a page out of Tony Morgan’s play book and give you some thoughts on systems.
- Systems are never the point in ministry. Relationships are the point. The goal of a good ministry system should be to support relationship. More time for…more focus on…better equipped people for…doing relationship.
- A system can always be refined.
- You need a system to be sure you’re refining your systems.
- Relationships will suffer without systems.
- Systems are science…they’re not art or a gift. Don’t tell me it’s not your strength. Find someone who figured it out and copy them!
- Systems are transferable. Your problem is not unique..someone has probably already thought about it and come up with a system. (probably Disney)
- Never make a decision because of the old system…you’ll find yourself saying “Because that’s how we’ve always done it.” System always follows strategy. Strategy focuses on a problem
- Sometimes it’s easier to make systems the point in ministry. Much more measurable than relationship.
- Sometimes it’s more rewarding to make systems the point in ministry. Relationship, even when it’s great, rarely gives you a hint that you’re making progress.
- Sometimes it’s safer to make the systems the point in ministry. Relationship is messy. Be careful leaders!
- Vision without systems….is a daydream.
