What is organic? Organic is often described as being natural. The fourth definition in Webster’s Dictionary is “a: forming an integral element of a whole b: having systematic coordination of parts.”
When we go to the grocery store to buy organic food, we see the product but not the process. Organic food is considered all-natural, yet it involves a lot of hard work on the part of the farmer. In addition to using the right ingredients, the farmer spends hours prepping the fields, planting the seeds, watering, fertilizing and harvesting when growing plants. When raising livestock, the animals require unique care. Special attention is given to ensure high quality products, which are safe to eat. Producing organic food is not something that just happens. Much planning and work goes into the process. Organic farmers must systematically coordinate the various components of farming in order to produce a worthwhile whole.
When it comes to organic ministry, people often think of the product and not necessarily the process. One product of organic ministry is natural relationships. This does not mean that the relationships just happen. Instead, at least one person needs to be pouring into another person’s life. This takes intentionality. This takes time. This takes effort. This takes the right attitude. To have a quality product – authentic relationships – the process and the components involved must be taken into consideration.
Just as a farmer must work hard to grow organic products, one must work hard to grow organic ministry. Hard work and intentionality do not negate the quality of the product. Rather, they enhance the quality and build sustainability.
Organic ministry succeeds when people choose a desired result and coordinate the steps that will lead to that result. Organic ministry isn’t something that just happens. Being organic is being systematic and intentional.
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