Buckyballs in Ministry
"Buckyballs" are molecules named after F. Buckminster Fuller.
Chemically, it is C26, where the carbon atoms are connected into
a large ball (see figure at right). This molecule is incredibly
strong. It can bounce, enlarge, compress, and even hold several
other molecules inside its structure. It is stable and difficult
to break down.
Pretend now that each individual in the church is a carbon atom.
Their "binding" is the relationships that they have with others
in the church. If an individual has a relationship with one
other person and that relationship suffers, then the "lattice
structure" of the church suffers. Churches can quite easily lose
people this way.
Also, if one group of people has strong bonding with each other
and one other person (such as a small group leader or small
group coach) then the same issue exists on a grander scale. If
the one person who holds that key relationship with the church
(the "lynchpin" in the diagram) breaks that relationship (be it
theological differences or moving to a new city) then the group
for any reason that has the strong relationship with that one
person loses their link with the church.
However, if one person has good relationships with many people
and one "breaks" there are others to keep the person in the
church. The church is then strong, elastic, and will continue to
grow. These "lattice relationships" will keep people coming back
through thick and thin.
What can we use from this in ministry? Work to form the Seven
Connections of a Strong Church!
1. Large Group (Worship Services) 2. Medium Sized Group (Men's,
Women's, High School, Junior High, Etc) 3. Small Groups 4.
Serving Teams 5. Support Group 6. Mentorship 7. Prayer Support
Work to get people connected through all seven categories and
they are much more likely to remain connected to the church
body!