The power of collaboration cannot be underestimated in any successful organization. Working together effectively requires more than good intentions—it requires systems that enable coordination, clarity, and consistency. A story about Fleming, an expert consultant, highlights this truth and offers valuable lessons for businesses and the church.

Fleming’s Mission to Japan

In the 1960s, Japan’s automobile industry struggled to keep up with the global market. Production lines were inefficient, quality control was lacking, and the system seemed to be breaking down. Determined to fix the issue, a major Japanese car manufacturer hired Fleming, a renowned systems analyst, to uncover what was going wrong.

When Fleming arrived, he found a chaotic scene. Employees worked hard, but their efforts didn’t produce the desired results. Cars were coming off the assembly line with defects, production schedules were missed, and morale was low. After carefully analyzing the situation, Fleming discovered the root problem: no coherent system guiding the production process. Without clear communication, standard procedures, or quality control, the workers were left trying to piece cars together without a reliable structure.

Fleming’s solution was to introduce a series of interlocking systems that would streamline production, improve communication, and ensure consistency at every stage of the manufacturing process. These systems transformed the company, setting the foundation for Japan’s rise as a global leader in the automotive industry.

What Are Systems and Why Do They Matter?

Systems are organized frameworks of processes and procedures that ensure each part of an organization works together seamlessly. They provide structure and guidance, helping teams operate efficiently and consistently. Systems remove ambiguity by establishing clear steps for achieving goals, whether in a factory or a church.

In the church context, systems help guide everything from worship services to discipleship and outreach. Without these structures, even the best intentions can lead to confusion or burnout. Systems create a framework that allows the church to focus on its mission—making disciples and expanding God’s Kingdom—without being bogged down by inefficiency or disorganization.

The Church and Systems: Why We Need Them

Just like the struggling Japanese automobile manufacturer, churches can face challenges if they don’t have proper systems in place. Even with passionate people and a clear vision, things can fall apart without structure. Whether coordinating volunteers, managing resources, or ensuring that the church effectively reaches the community, systems are essential to keep everything running smoothly.

Systems in the church create a reliable framework for carrying out essential tasks, such as teaching, worship, discipleship, and outreach. For example, a well-organized discipleship system ensures that new believers are nurtured and grow in their faith. A communication system ensures that everyone in the congregation is informed and connected. Without these kinds of systems, things can become disorganized, and the church can lose its focus.

The Benefits of Having Systems in the Church

1. Efficiency

Systems help the church run smoothly and avoid wasting time, energy, and resources. Just as a manufacturing system optimizes production, a church system helps ensure that all ministries and activities function effectively.

2. Consistency

Systems ensure that everyone is on the same page and that processes are followed consistently. For example, a system for onboarding new members guarantees everyone the same introduction to the church, its beliefs, and its mission.

3. Clarity of Roles

Clear systems provide guidance for every church member. Leaders know their responsibilities, volunteers know their tasks, and members understand how they can participate in the church's life. This clarity prevents confusion and helps foster a sense of purpose.

4. Sustainability:

As the church grows, systems provide a foundation to support that growth. Without systems, rapid growth can lead to burnout and chaos. However, with proper systems in place, the church can expand its influence while maintaining its organizational health.

5. Scalability:

A church with effective systems can grow without losing its core values or purpose. Systems allow the church to replicate successful processes across different ministries and locations, enabling healthy, sustainable growth.

The Body of Christ: A Picture of Systems in Action

The Apostle Paul likened the church to the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Just as the human body has different parts that work together for the overall good of the body, the church operates as a unified whole. In the human body, systems like the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems all have distinct roles but work together to keep the body functioning.

For example, the digestive system ensures that nutrients are absorbed to provide energy, while the circulatory system delivers those nutrients throughout the body. In the same way, a church’s systems—such as a worship system or a discipleship system—are interconnected, supporting the church's overall mission. Each system has its function, but all work together to ensure the health and growth of the body of Christ.

When every system works properly, the church can function as a unified, effective body, with each member playing their role. But when one system fails, the whole body suffers. This is why having solid and well-developed systems in the church is essential for its health and mission.

Embracing Systems for Kingdom Success

Fleming’s journey to Japan showed the transformative power of systems. By implementing well-designed systems, what began as a chaotic and struggling automobile industry became a model of efficiency and success. The same is true for the church. While passion, talent, and vision are essential, a church can struggle to sustain its mission without systems.

By implementing systems in critical areas such as discipleship, communication, and leadership development, the church can function more effectively, sustain growth, and better fulfil its mission to make disciples. Just as the human body relies on its systems to thrive, the body of Christ is called to work together, each part doing its role, guided by the systems that keep the church unified and focused on its divine purpose.