2024/05/29 - By Dirk Develing (Adopted from a Message from Merle Shenk)
Imagine two worlds: one where growth is nurtured, and another where power is preserved. This is the story of two types of apostolic ministries I've observed over the years. One is built on a family model, where fathers and mothers guide their spiritual children to maturity. The other is an imperial model, where the hierarchy is rigid, and spiritual children remain subservient. Today, I want to share why the family model, used by DOVE, is not only the best model but also the one that truly withstands the test of time.
We have built its ministry on a family model. This approach is centered around the idea of spiritual fathers and mothers raising sons and daughters who eventually become parents themselves. It's a cycle of growth and nurturing that ensures each generation stands on the shoulders of the previous one, reaching higher and going further.
In this model, there's genuine love without fear. Spiritual children are encouraged to grow, mature, and even surpass their mentors. The family language used—terms like "brother," "father," and "mother"—isn't just rhetoric; it's a reflection of the deep, nurturing relationships that are cultivated.
Contrastingly, the imperial model focuses on building empires. Here, spiritual children are often kept in a subservient state, never truly allowed to grow up. They serve the vision of the main leader, becoming mere cogs in a system designed to preserve power and control.
In this model, spiritual children may feel the need to leave geographically to grow, as their development can be seen as a threat to the existing power structures. This creates an environment of fear and limitation, stifling true growth and development.
One of the challenges with these two models is that they often use the same language. Both talk about spiritual fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. They use terms like "brother" and "family," which can be confusing. However, the key difference lies in the outcomes. In the family model, children grow up to become parents themselves. In the imperial model, they remain perpetually subservient.
Looking at scripture, we see a clear pattern: families outlast empires. From the time of the children of Israel, many empires have risen and fallen. Yet, the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remains. This enduring legacy is a testament to the strength of the family model.
Let's delve into some real-life examples to illustrate these points. In DOVE, we see countless stories of spiritual children who have grown into leaders themselves. They stand on the shoulders of their spiritual parents, reaching new heights and expanding the ministry's impact.
Take, for instance, Ibrahim, a young man from Kenya who joined the DOVE family in the eighties. Under the mentorship of his spiritual father Larry Kreider, he grew in faith and leadership. Today, Ibrahim mentors others, who also mentors others, continuing the cycle of growth and love. This is the essence of the family model—each generation nurtures the next, creating a legacy of enduring impact.
The family model, as embraced by DOVE, is the best structure for ministry. It nurtures growth, fosters genuine love without fear, and creates a lasting legacy. While the imperial model may build impressive structures, it ultimately falls short in nurturing true growth and development. Families outlast empires, and it's this enduring strength that makes the family model the best choice for ministry.
Dirk Develing is an apostolic leader in God's kingdom, known for his passion in investing in leaders and fostering their growth. He embraces innovative, out-of-the-box approaches to church ministry. As a business owner, he combines his entrepreneurial skills with his spiritual calling. Dirk is married to Hanneke, has three daughters, and resides in the Netherlands.
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