Simple Can Be Really…Good?
I recently “led” my church through a 21-day fast. I use quotes because it wasn’t the sort of programmatic fast that began with a day of prayer and ended with an agape feast and included several days of Zoom meetings. During a worship service, I shared a handout about fasting then preached a sermon about fasting. I sent out two or three messages reminding and encouraging folks in their fast. The hope was that we would spend intentional time in prayer about renovation plans. The end of the fast was the Sabbath before a board meeting and during that meeting we mapped out a few next steps regarding our renovation based on what we’d discerned during the last 21 days.
Perhaps you’re reading this and reflecting on the much more detailed approach you’ve used and you’re wondering if you should send me a copy. It’s okay. Here’s why.
This experience has taught me that I need more simple try-ons in ministry, those gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit that lead me to do something that looks so lightweight that, if I think about it too much, I’ll grow afraid that it won’t be worth anything….and I won’t do it.
There’s a time and place for the 3-ring binder edition that takes weeks or months of planning with multiple teams and several moving parts. Sometimes that is what’s best. And I’m learning that it’s these simple try-ons that often grow me the most.
It’s easy to assume that a lack of complexity means a lack of depth. On a good day, I wouldn't draw that conclusion but I will on a day when someone else’s ministry looks more fruitful than mine.
It's easy to assume that the only reason I have a simple plan to work with is because I’m not seasoned enough to handle more.
It's easy to assume that my church won't rally around a simple plan because simple plans can’t possibly be what the big churches do…and don’t we want to be a big church one day?
Ministry insecurity is real. Here’s how the simple plans have helped me keep my eyes away from me and fixed on Jesus:
Simple plans take less time and I'm all for the time-savers.
Simple plans are easier to communicate to my church.
Simple plans are easier to try.
Simple plans have a creative component that’s easier for me to engage with. (If I’m not using my creativity in ministry, I get bored and question my call a thousand times.)
Simple plans are less draining so I’m less in need of a vacation after the plan has been implemented.
What has your experience been with simple plans? What benefits would you add to the list?
This fast wasn’t just for my church—it was also for me and it was the best fasting experience I’ve had to date. Why? Because it was easier for me to see the Holy Spirit at work. It’s in this realm of clarity that I wish to remain.
Note: Feel free to customize the fasting handout for your context. The three Cs are Curiosity, Clarity and Courage.
Michaela Lawrence Jeffery pastors the Athens Georgia Seventh-day Adventist Church in Athens, Georgia.