In the previous sharing, we talked about how all objects, bodies, institutions, organisations, and universities are systems. There must be three parts in a system, which includes 1) the elements that make it up, 2) the connections of the elements, and 3) the functions that are brought out. We’ve also talked about how the connection of the elements is crucial in a system because it is the connection that allows the elements to function.
In this sharing, we’re going to talk about the importance of system function.
It is important to be very clear about what function a system is to perform, and if the direction is wrong, then all the hard work will be in vain.
Take an example: the function of a hospital is to save lives. If the function of the hospital is to make money, then the hospital becomes a commercial organisation. Even if the patients die at the door, if there is no money, the doctor will not save them.
Similarly, the function of a school is to provide education so that the students can become better people and contribute to society. If the purpose of a school is to make money, then the school is a commercial organisation and teaching is a commodity.
The function of the system determines the direction and operation of the system. If it is a theatre, then the function of the theatre is to provide entertainment, so that the audience can be entertained while watching the play. Therefore the theatre will sell popcorn, snacks and drinks at the door to increase the entertainment for the audience. The theatre will never hold an academic talk at the door to explain the point of view of the play, or to discuss the philosophical significance of a certain sentence in the actor’s dialogue, or to discuss the inner world of the actor’s expression, and so on. Can you tell me which theatre has done this?
Would a theatre hold a symposium in front of its doors? No, they don’t! Why not? Because the function of the theatre is not academic. This shows that the function of the system determines where the system goes.
In the same way if we don’t understand the function of the church, then we don’t know where we are going. What is the function of the church? Is it a place to provide fellowship for members? Is it a place to help members deal with difficulties? Is it a charity? Is it a place of care? Is it a place of counselling? Is it a place for leisure and enjoyment?
If we don’t know what the function of the church is, we don’t know what to do in the church. How do we know what the function of the church is? What is our rationale? I think we can all agree that we must base it on what the Bible teaches.
If you understand the Bible, I think you will agree that there are two things that Scripture holds in extremely high regard. The first is God’s salvation, and the second is the change of life after salvation (which includes worship, holiness, righteousness, etc.). Therefore, the function of the church is to fulfil God’s mission (evangelism) and to teach and train the members to obey God’s teachings.
Discipleship is to help the church function. Discipleship is a system that connects members so that they can function. If the members can all function, then the church can function. Otherwise, the church will only be scattered sand, which is very unfortunate.
Why can’t the church function?
Because the pastor and the members cannot function.
Why can’t the pastor and members function?
Because pastors and members cannot connect and function.
Why can’t pastors and members connect and function?
Because the function of the church is not clear.
Why is the function of the church not clear?
Because they cannot commit themselves to the Word of God.
Why can’t they commit themselves to the Word of God?
Because pastors are not clear about their function and therefore do not teach God’s Word intentionally.
Core issue: If pastors continue to be unclear about their functions, the church will continue to be dysfunctional.