Thanks for your feedback Denise! And I agree completely. The real issue has to start with our connection to God, and a dependence on His power. No question about that.

But at the same time, part of that transformation involves learning to align our methods with divine principles. We're told that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people, and that method clearly involved a relationship progression. Without understanding, and following that method, no ministry can be successful--so there's definitely a place for studying it.

When we have a fully consecrated people who use the methods outlined in Scripture we will have the best possible results. So I think it's important to emphasize both aspects.

Thanks for your thoughts Qing! Sorry I missed your comment somehow. :) And it is true: all our ministries need to have the same common components to be successful, and most lack one or more pieces to function effectively.

Given that many of our members are over-extended in their time commitments, we find it hard to commit ourself to ministries with those missing gaps because they don't seem to accomplish much. And who has time for that? But I definitely suspect a functioning ministry would attract all the help it needs, because everyone wants to be part of something that's working.

I also don't think the idea is to hand people off to others from one stage to another. Rather we need teams that work together to lighten the load, so the same people can walk people through the entire process together. I'm thinking of the paralytic carried to Jesus by his four friends. They didn't each individually carry him a quarter of the way. They all carried a quarter of his weight for the entire journey.

Just a few thoughts back! :)

Important message, this - showing how the dots connect between all our ministries which can be categorised in which section of the bridge they fit in - start, middle, end. I have felt 'torn' in the past, considering not getting involved at all, when I contemplate how ministries in my church would function and how investment of my time in them would only mean partial progress for the person we are trying to outreach to. each example in the article above perfectly described the common 'gaps' I too have lamented over and would be at a loss of how to 'bridge' the gap.

I guess the answer must be about how we need to be strategic, and work better as a body of Christ. I say this because I feel limited in my abilities. I can befriend only a certain amount/type of people (CONNECT). I need someone else to bring new faces to church (CONTACT). and I can share some bible truths, but would need someone with more experience and knowledge to lead bible studies (COMMUNICATE).

And if I were the person bringing a CONTACT, it means I am already CONNECTING with the person.. but then I'm still left with the end gap where I need help from others to transition of our relationship from a social friendship to one where Bible truth is being COMMUNICATED. That last little plank is my biggest challenge.

Other things that keep a ministry from enjoying success could be the lack of a questionable life in the life of the ministry workers. by questionable I mean to be 'salt of the earth'...modelling a life for unchurched people to wonder what they need to do to become like them.
I Corinthians 11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. ; Zechariah 8:23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. ; I Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Exactly right Carole, and the relationship needs to continue after baptism as well. We'll be including information on that in our Worker Tools course as well.

Such a common situation Valerie. I think building up the foundation that leads to a successful campaign first is important. And exciting because we can start to see people taking at least the first steps relatively quickly. Then, once everything is in place, your meetings will become more exciting too. :)

Thanks for reminding us of that picture Pam. I've seen it too. Love thinking about the angels helping people navigate through the weak spots in our ministries. Of course, better still to fix them!

David I love how you brought Jacob's ladder - Jesus into this topic - indeed he is the only one that can truly bridge the gap, the "great gulf" between earth and heaven.

John very good point - some gaps are easy for some people (people with long legs, people who are strong enough to do "long" jumps, etc) while for others those gaps are difficult due to weakness, timidity, lack of jumping experience, etc. For some of us raised with a religious upbringing some jumps may seem logical and easy to bridge in our thinking while to those for whom these things are totally new, it could be a big jump - the gap seems larger or smaller depending on prior experience and background. It is good to remember that what seems a logical and easy jump (conclusion) for one person may not seem logical to another until the background foundation is more solidly built with gaps filled in. It may take extra explanations..., personal testimony or testimonies from others from similar backgrounds who have successfully made the jump in the past, etc.

It reminds me of how when someone experiences a life altering injury such as an amputation or a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis it can be so helpful if they can meet and talk with someone who has experienced a similar injury and has successfully learned to move past it, deal with the inevitable challenges, learned strategies to maximize independence despite disability and have a productive life. We have all been severely injured and crippled by sin but Jesus came down from heaven and walked in our shoes (without actually sinning) so that he could understand and help us jump the gaps and hurdles with his strength Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ; Hebrews 2:17-1817 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. . If we can learn to identify with those who come to our "ministry"/programs they may be able to trust better that we can help them over (rather, point them to Jesus as the ultimate long jumper who can safely carry them over the chasm - because we can point out how he carried us over our own chasms.

I am also reminded of the famous picture of the 2 young children playing on or walking across a high bridge over a stream far below with planks missing... and the guardian angel hovering by them to protect them.

I am looking forward to learning how to mend bridges and jump gaps successfully in the upcoming course.

Glad this seems to be clicking with people. I shared this at a lovely little church in Virginia this weekend and the response was quite enthusiastic. Can't wait for Worker Tools to start. We're already into triple digits!

And yes, Valerie, let's keep looking to Jesus for help building better bridges. After all, as David hinted, He is the Master bridge builder. :) Appreciate your comment John. Lot's of implications to this article. You hit on several of them.

Thanks everyone for posting!

Greetings, all my FAST Friends in the Name of the "Ladder(Bridge) (Genesis 28:12And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.; John 1:51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.) that bridges the gap between successful & unsuccessful ministry!
Thank you, Pastor Dan, for this post! What a spiritual appetizer!!!
Amen, Valerie, Diane, & Lynn! I am truly looking forward to this Class! And in 40 years+ as an SDA Christian I have experienced the "gaps" in all 3 areas and desire to learn how to obtain that "strength to keep going (Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.; Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:;3:13,14; Hebrews 12:1-31 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.)

I Corinthians 15:57,58But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.