Lessons from a windmill field
In my workshop at the 2018 RHMA conference, one of the examples I gave for the need to network for ministry in your community is a windmill field. There are some lessons we can take from these pieces of wonderful technology as churches.
They have a purpose that is simple
They make electricity. That is their one job. Churches have one job as well: make disciples that make disciples. When a church tries to be everything to everyone, it often ends up being nothing to anyone.
They are connected
It is rare that you see a standalone windmill. There are usually many in one place to multiply the benefit. Even when you have one that is all alone, it is still connected to the overall electric power grid. We need each other.
This is not an argument for denominational control. It is an argument for relationships. Churches in the same community share the same mission. Working together multiplies the impact of every congregation.
They have distinctions
When you look at a field of windmills, you will see they are pointed in multiple directions to maximize wind coming from almost any angle. God uses all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people.
Not every church needs to look the same. A traditional congregation and a contemporary one may both be faithful. The key is not uniformity. It is faithfulness.
They rely on an external force to operate
Windmills are useless without the wind. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the local church is just a social club. Programs, buildings, and budgets do not make a church alive. The Holy Spirit does.
This means that prayer is not an add-on to ministry. It is the foundation.
Practical ways to connect with other churches
- Attend regional ministry meetings. Show up. Listen. Build relationships.
- Partner on community projects. A joint food drive or shared vacation Bible school can build trust.
- Pray for other churches. Pray for the pastors and congregations of other churches by name.
- Share resources. If your church has a strength another church needs, offer it.
- Be willing to receive. Cooperation is a two-way street.
Frequently asked questions
How can small rural churches cooperate when they are already stretched thin?
Start small. A joint prayer meeting or a shared community event does not require a large investment.
What if the other churches in our area have different theological convictions?
You can cooperate on many things without agreeing on everything. Focus on what you share.
How do we keep our churchs identity while cooperating with others?
Cooperation does not mean losing your identity. It means recognizing that you are part of something larger.
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