A trellis is a framework built to bear the weight of a living vine so the organism can grow freely and bear fruit. If the trellis is too thick or intricate, it inhibits and chokes the vine. If the trellis is too thin or delicate, it collapses under the weight of the fruit. But a simple, sturdy, spacious trellis gives the vine a structure to climb, air to breathe, and room to grow.
The ministry structure of a church is like a trellis—a minimal framework built to facilitate the growth of the organism. The members and their discipling relationships among each other are the branches of the vine that produce the fruit of Christian convictions, new conversions, godly character, and holy conduct (John 15:1–5). The trellis is the institutional structure that holds or harnesses that organic growth so the fruit doesn’t fall to the ground and bruise or rot before it ripens. Here’s a sampling of some slats in the trellis and how they support the church’s vitality.
FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
The mooring of any church, of course, is the person and work of Jesus as we find him in the Bible. But as soon as we try to describe who
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