© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

Living System Ministry

Why “Works” Doesn’t Work

The Limitations of the Works Method

When “works” works

The Works Method approach is: Simple A fixed plan Cause-and-effect

© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

Manmade constructstend to be: Straightforward Linear Cause-and-effect

Using the Works Method when dealing with

manmade constructs can be very effective!

When it doesn’t

The Works Method approach is: Simple A fixed plan Cause-and-effect

© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

Living systems are: Highly complex Interrelated Multiple causes lead

to multiple effects

Using the Works Method when dealing with living systems can be very dangerous!

Let’s look at some examples.

Helping starving peoplePeople in a certain country are starving. Here’s how

we address the problem using the Works Method: I see a need: I hear that

people are starving, I make a plan: to raise

money to feed them, I do the plan: by raising

the money, sending the food, feeding the people,

I get returns: I hear that people are no longer starving.

Sounds like the problem is solved! BUT…

© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

Unintended negative returnsDespite our well-meaning efforts, several new

problems could emerge as a result of a food program.

© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center