Why Every Church Is Made Up Of 3 People – Producers, Consumers, And Decomposers

 

Lizzy Goodman’s recent article in Fast Company about New York City’s Ace Hotel fascinated me.  Goodman noted, “As I pass the expansive windows of the John Dory – the mod oyster bar that’s part of Ace’s ecosystem – I notice Norah Jones at a window table having lunch.  This is the place.”

What caught my attention was the word “ecosystem”.  I had never heard a place where people gather described that way.  Therefore, I had to do some research.

Wikipedia states, “An ecosystem is a biological environment consisting of all the organisms living in a particular area, as well as all the nonliving (abiotic), physical components of the environment with which the organisms interact, such as air, soil, water and sunlight.”

Pastors and church leaders, it occurred to me after reading that definition that each Sunday when I go to church, I am entering a unique ecosystem.  Natureworks gives us additional insights into the characteristics of an ecosystem?

• An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together. – In a church environment, this is your staff, volunteers, and facilities.
• Ecosystems have no particular size. – Whether you are a small church, Mega church, or something in between, your church is a spiritual ecosystem.
• In an ecosystem, all living and non-living organisms are interdependent. – “If there isn’t enough light or water or if the soil doesn’t have the right nutrients, the plants will die. If the plants die, animals that depend on them will die. If the animals that depend on the plants die, any animals that depends on those animals will die.”  If a particular area of your ministry is under-performing, it affects your entire ministry. 
• A healthy ecosystem has many diverse species. – The most effective ministries today cross cultural barriers and are racially, ethnically, and generationally diverse.
• In an ecosystem, a diversity of species is less likely to be seriously damaged by human interaction, natural disasters and climate changes. – Diverse congregations are relationally healthier because the focus of the church is others.
• Every species has a niche in its ecosystem that helps keep the system healthy. – God has given all Christians specific spiritual gifts to be used for His glory and the health of the church body.
• We are learning about new species every day and discovering new roles they play in the natural world. – Embrace mavericks and those in your church with an entrepreneurial spirit.  It is these “new species” that are changing how ministry is done and reaching thousands for the cause of Christ.

What is truly interesting to me though is that an ecosystem can be divided into three categories: Producers, Consumers and Decomposers.

• Producers are the green plants. They make their own food. – These are the leaders in your church.
• Consumers are animals and they get their energy from the producers or from organisms that eat producers. – Does this need any explanation!  It describes the majority of people in our churches.
• Decomposers are plants and animals that break down into organic materials that go back into the soil. – This is your church’s back door.

We would all like to have a church made up of only producers/leaders.  But the reality is that leaders, consumers, and decomposers coexist in every church.

Pastors and church leaders, do you view your church as an ecosystem?  If so, will this change the way you lead?   

For additional posts on church leadership click:

• A New Type Of Leader Is Rising Up At Local Churches
• 13 Signs People Are Excited To Attend Your Church Service
• 7 Things Churches Need To Know About Welcoming Guests

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