Adaptive Ministry

In Acts we see Paul working methodically - in most places he went first to the synagogue (the local collection of Jewish believers), and then later met with a more diverse group elsewhere. Even with his orderly approach there would have been complex mixes of Jewish believers by ancestry, Jewish believers who had 'joined', and then the 'Gentile' audiences. We glean enough in Acts to know that Paul used different angles in his telling of Jesus that best suited the hearers starting points. In other words he adapted his approach to suit.

Also in Acts we see that on their travels Christ followers apparently bumped into one another (somewhat randomly). This provided connections, encouragements and strategic opportunities as they covered the geography. Also in that random meeting there were 'levelling processes' with some - they had only heard of "John's baptism", or not heard/experienced the filling of the Spirit for example. In some cases they 'explained the gospel more adequately' (e.g. Acts 18). In other words they had to adapt their ministry dynamically, based on who they had bumped into.

As mentioned before, we are working methodically with a 'Four Fields' approach - making friendships, listening for who is spiritually open, hoping to help lead to Jesus and discipleship, and then connecting new disciples with wider networks of believers. That model assumes that everyone we meet is starting with no clear faith in Jesus ... but of course real life is way more messy! As we meet people, we discover other believers - some clear in their faith, some attending places of worship elsewhere, some with faith but not so sure on some things, and so on.

We too therefore, whilst following a model for outreach purposes, are open to adaptation. Discovering other believers is a blessing, and we can happily draw alongside to make what we believe are strategic suggestions for emerging spiritual life across the estate. Some might need particular encouragement, or benefit from input into their lives and their own walk with Jesus. Again we can swap into a mode where we offer that for those who want it.

This is ministry that adapts based on the people we meet. We have our own model for outreach, and we have some clear strategic thinking that gives high level direction to the approaches we take - but within that we then adapt, making ourselves available to walk alongside, hoping all the while to lead to more revelation of Jesus for each and every person.