Chapter Two

Okay, so the goal of 104 chapters by end of year, although not too lofty, seems a bit unattainable at this point, but alas, here we are, and at the very least we need to finish this book. I have read and now re-read chapter two of the Trellis and the Vine and hope to continue dialogue with you guys over the content and application of this book. In Chapter Two we see the authors presenting a list of what vine growing does. I admit I liked every single one of these. They all seem to focus on having the people be the focus of the ministry, not the ministry itself. As great as it all sounds, this does seem to be more complex than just running programs. But maybe that is the shift they are talking about: if we view ministry as a whole as developing people (this would mean it is not how to get people in or how to fundraise, etc), this seems more natural than the traditional way. Churches I think would be smaller, would have more community and gospel-centeredness, and would weed out those coming in for a show, or at least regularly force a decision upon them.
I like the shift, but think it is hard. The last story of the chapter, going through the scenario of how to "plug" someone in, was excellent and I could re read it everyday. Ministry needs to be more simple and more focused on people growth. The authors now have my ear and I hope to learn much, and not to be disappointed.
Thoughts?