Methods
by Chris Drury, SRBA Music Consultant

I believe methodology is something The Church is severely struggling with. We are afraid to do anything unique, even when originality is urgently needed. Now I am not stating the misconception to be “relevant with culture.”    American culture has a sickness that can only be fixed by instilling a new belief system in communities that transcends our current population’s lifestyles. What I am saying is that we should be relevant to our communities needs.

Methods (style of music, dress code, age focus, worship service times, small group curriculum, and community services) can and should adapt differently. Unfortunately these methods differ for every city. So we have to stop depending on books, conferences, and larger churches to create our techniques for us.  We have to find God’s systems for our church individually. God cultivates as an artist and not as mass replicator. God has a unique purpose for your ministry; it just has to be discovered.

As you’re reading this you are probably waiting for a solution. The fact is I do not possess your blueprint for success, God does.  Finding your answers is found in prayer and intentional observations. For example there is a GREAT ministry for single moms in my city.  You see there are a high percentage of single moms in my county and in order to minister to them a local church designed a free oil change day every 4 months. At this event there are free food, games, and an onsite mechanic that inspects every vehicle for other potential problems. It is a need, it is simple, it’s effective and this service day is making a lasting impact on my city. This concept of being organic and missional is emerging within cities across America (bar ministries, homeless ministries, and motorcycle clubs) with a huge success rate.

Now it’s your turn. There is already an answer… knock…seek…ask.