© 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center Living System Ministry Why “Works” Doesn’t Work The Limitations of the Works Method

When “works” works The Works Method approach is:  Simple  A fixed plan  Cause-and-effect © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center Manmade constructs tend to be:  Straightforward  Linear  Cause-and-effect Using the Works Method when dealing with manmade constructs can be very effective!

When it doesn’t The Works Method approach is:  Simple  A fixed plan  Cause-and-effect © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center Living systems are:  Highly complex  Interrelated  Multiple causes lead to multiple effects Using the Works Method when dealing with living systems can be very dangerous! Let’s look at some examples.

Helping starving people People in a certain country are starving. Here’s how we address the problem using the Works Method:  I see a need: I hear that people are starving,  I make a plan: to raise money to feed them,  I do the plan: by raising the money, sending the food, feeding the people,  I get returns: I hear that people are no longer starving. Sounds like the problem is solved! BUT… © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

Unintended negative returns Despite our well-meaning efforts, several new problems could emerge as a result of a food program. © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center