What role should organisation play in disciple-making movements? In this episode, Roy Moran explores how structure, function, and money can either fuel or hinder movements.
“The question is not the presence of structure, the question is whether the structure is being served or serving.” — Roy Moran
Form and Function in Movements
Movements are often described as organic, but every living organism has structure. Because we are created in the image of a triune God who exists in community, forming tribes, teams, and simple structures is part of our nature.
The issue is not whether movements have structure, but what the structure serves. Healthy movements keep structures lightweight and low-maintenance, designed to support disciple-making rather than replace it.
Roy highlights a key principle: Form always follows function.
Movements begin with making disciples. As disciples multiply, forms of church and leadership naturally emerge. But when people try to create the form first and then add disciple-making later, the result often struggles.
Video (played in the podcast – audio only):
Roy references Buurtzorg, a healthcare organisation in the Netherlands that shows how a large organisation can operate with lightweight structures, strong values, and decentralised decision-making that empowers local teams — watch here.
The Role of Money
Money can also derail movements if it creates dependency.
“If money causes dependency, then money kills movement.”
Healthy movements emphasise local generosity and stewardship, where resources serve real needs—caring for community, enabling mission, and supporting training—without creating unhealthy dependence.
Questions to Reflect On
- Are the structures around us allowing form to follow function, or are we trying to force the function to fit the form?
- When it comes to money, are we strengthening mission—or unintentionally creating dependency that could stall the movement?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:13 — 12.3MB)
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