Keeping Faith Simple (A Must Read)

By Greg Dill

Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimal means. In the digital and information age we live, things are to be more simple. And, practically speaking perhaps they are. But, in the big scheme of things it seems life has become much more complicated. When given a simple task or a project, committees are formed, multiple documents are created, and strategies are outlined. Budget plans are drafted, polls are taken, and branding packages are visualized. It seems this carries over into ministry and church too. Not to discount these things, but I wonder if we tend to over-complicate things that don’t really need complicating. Are churches and ministries any better off today than they were during the early church years? We go to conferences, read books, and learn how to become better equipped. But, what Christianity needs are less conferences on how to become better equipped and more action with what we’re already equipped with.

There really is no right way or wrong way of doing ministry if we truly walk in the Spirit and let the Lord take the lead. Written almost like a Psalm, God declares through the prophet Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8) We may think we know how to do things, but may find ourselves wallowing in many failed attempts if we do it our way. Sometimes we just need to dive into the trenches, get our hands dirty, and do as the Spirit may lead.

In the seven months that I have lived in Albania and do ministry amongst the Roma, I have found that the most effective way of doing ministry is… get ready for it… grab a pen and paper… steady yourself… are you ready? Developing relationships. That’s it. Nothing more. Nothing less. Simple. Getting to know people, entering into their world, and being real and transparent with them. Sure, some are guarded and others may thumb their nose at me. But, most are not and are actually excited about this new relationship that may or may not lead them into an even greater relationship with God.

Looking back through the Gospels, it seems this is how Jesus’ ministry was most effective… developing relationships. Simple. He didn’t have committees, daily planners, and proven methods and strategies. He didn’t hang pretty brochures on doorknobs or iPhones to resort to for His next plan of action. Sure, He was God… He didn’t need these things. But, He was also a man… in many ways like you and me restricted by time and place. And yet, He managed to bring thousands of people near to Him, healing them, feeding them, and expounding deep spiritual truths upon them that transformed their lives forever. How? By engaging people, talking to them, dining with them, holding them, and loving them.

I’ve argued that evangelism is much more than mere proclamation of the Gospel. Evangelism is what we do in both word AND deed. People will respond to the Gospel by hearing it and others by seeing it in action. If we truly emulate Jesus in all things we do, people will certainly inquire. Joseph Aldrich in his book, “Lifestyle Evangelism” says, “People don’t care how much we proclaim to know until they know how much we care.” Sure, I tell people about Jesus. But, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes the Lord may lead me to simply help them with something. Sometimes this may involve having a cup of coffee with someone at a local cafe and just listen. Other times it may involve driving someone to a nearby clinic. Or, handing an apple to a malnourished child. Getting rid of a hornets nest from a single mother’s home. Raking a neighbor’s leaves or trash pile. Little things like these tell a lot about Christ. And, they’re simple.

I’ll close with another one of my favorite quotes that I believe hammers this point home: “Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

Do we substitute telling people about Jesus by always meeting a need? No. But, what I am saying is that not every moment may call for a presentation of the Gospel. Instead, it may just require getting to know someone and see where a need is. You may or may not meet the need, but at least you’re showing you care… and that alone speaks volumes. Simplicity.

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Greg Dill, along with his wife and three kids are missionaries serving amongst the Roma (Gypsies) in the country of Albania. Their mission is twofold: to introduce the Good News of Jesus Christ and to help move them from abject poverty into productive and self-sustainable lifestyles through education and the development of simple business skills.

Priority #1 Knexions!

There are at least 59 references in the New Testament where we are commanded to love, encourage, forgive, bear with, carry burdens, and provide mutual support for one another that imply gathering in small groups. Jesus knew and stressed that importance and the effectiveness of meeting in small groups that Midpark calls Knexions. He choose twelve disciples to live three years with while on earth. He ate, taught, rested, travelled, and “Lived Life Together”. All as an example of how we are to order our lives today as believers and to model what the church was to look like. 

In order to accomplish this and fulfill the intention of what the church is ideally suppose to be, HOSTs are vital. In this issue we want to outline five essential things that must be done by HOSTs that will accelerate the journey toward a healthy fully functional biblical Christian experience.

1. Accept responsibility for your group. As a HOST you are motivated and committed to exercise the gift of leadership in your life. But we all have distractions and issues that come up that take the energy  out of us and out of working to ensure that our Knexions Group is successful. Responsibility is rooted in being “response-able” or the “ability to respond”. This means taking the initiative and making sure we follow up even when we don’t feel like it. Doing this will reap great rewards, communicate to others our support, and lead to great satisfaction.

2. Establish goals for your group. Nothing creates motion in an individual like having goals. They are the fuel to accomplish those things we want to do. When as a HOST you are feeling bogged down and lacking motivation, sit down and prayerfully begin to write down some very simple and practical goals. Goals must be S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time sensitive. 

3. Be available for individual and group mentoring. Lance Armstrong wrote a book about his achievements in bike racing. His title for the book was appropriately called, “Its not about the bike”. Sometimes our passion is focused on precisely what we think we need to do. That is lead a Bible study, facilitate a prayer meeting, organize an outdoor adventure, assist in a self-help group, etc. But God’s bigger picture is that He wants to work through a HOST beyond what we do but the time and attention we give to those he has entrusted us with. So a HOST pays attention to the needs of individuals in a group that may need a part of yourself more that the work of the Knexions Group. 

4. Join in the coaching and training being provided by Midpark. As a HOST you are doing more than doing a Knexions Group. You are addressing an even bigger picture  than the small group. You are extending yourself as a servant to other people’s spiritual development. This can be taxing and challenging as all care giving is. Midpark has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure that HOSTs are properly taken care of. Each HOST has a Section Leader and a Zone leader. They are a HOSTs life line to confidentially confide in and draw encouragement and guidance. 

This is the first place a HOST should go. If you don’t know who that person is call the church office and find out who you are to go to. Midpark also conducts training of all sorts to enhance personal growth, train in how to’s, and create a safe place. Remember Midpark is a place of community and commitment. Regular attendance to the Sunday Celebrations, participation in the HOST training sessions, and registration to the CCN seminars and the like are vital to your success. 

5. Become an accountable HOST. Midpark is a “permission granting” organization and not a “permission withholding” one. This means our intention as leaders and pastors is to help HOSTs discover their spiritual gift and find a place to serve others with it. Midpark’s way of saying this is that we want to “remove obstacles” in your way to do what God has called you to do. God believes in you and we do to! Accountability is a key biblical concept that allows us, through respect for leadership and submission to supervision, that ensures a strong learning community. Midpark has established some very small and minimal requirements for HOSTs of Knexions Groups. It is important to be aware of them and to adhere them. 

Remember, “We get to do this!”