Jesus, the Organizer

Chapter 10 | Contents

 

SOME CONCLUDING STATEMENTS:

Organizing as a Continuing Process, A People's Movement

At this juncture, it is well to sum-up essential points of the foregoing expositions on the organizing activities as narrated in the Gospel of Mark. The exercise of re-reading Mark opens an insight and understanding of certain organizing principles and practices which are used by Jesus. It is with openness and broadness of interpretation that we look at his principles and methods. And finally, we can relate these examples and models and discover which are useful and applicable to our present and particular needs and situations.

In continuing to search and identify these basic elements and principles of organizing, we make this initial summing-up:

1. Have a clear understanding of the mission and vision of God's reign.

From the start, Jesus clarifies the objectives of his ministry. He goes about to preach, teach and heal among other preoccupations because he chooses to empower the impoverished and the oppressed instead of identifying himself with the traditional rulers of his time. It is a ministry characterized by selflessness and service to the people.

Jesus then proceeds to lay down his program of action-its contents, plans and timetable. A grasp of the perspective of the Kingdom of God or a vision of God's reign enables him to outline the broad and detailed components of the tasks to be undertaken. This perspective becomes the focus and frame of reference of Jesus' organizing work.

In like manner, in any organization or movement, the lead person or organizer has to identify his/her group's purpose and goal. This is a prerequisite for him/her to be able to define his/her tactics and strategies in organizing. It is on this basis that organizing efforts and activities are initiated and pursued. Others are challenged, invited and recruited-together they pursue a shared vision and commitment.

2. Have a clear target or aim as to whom to organize.

Jesus knows and understands the history, structure and system of his society and of his time. Such understanding makes him aware of the balance and distribution of forces and powers; the weakness and strength of these forces; as well as where these powers are concentrated.

With such awareness, it is normal for Jesus to identify and align himself with the powerful. But inspite of this awareness, Jesus gives a radical and different slant in his choice of followers to organize.

Jesus shows that by organizing the powerless and those in the peripheries of power-opportunities are present so that the oppressed can become aware of their plight and condition of bondage. Organizing uncovers the potential of people to deal creatively and effectively with their situation and condition. Organizing also reveals the hidden capacities of people to liberate themselves from domination and exploitation so they can fulfill their humanity as persons and communities.

Jesus acutely perceives that among persons and communities, the masses are principally the main sector of the population who needs urgent attention to be organized. Jesus concentrates on them because they are the ones denied and deprived of their share and participation in the decision-making process of their society. In contrast to the ruling and dominant class who are privileged, well-organized and well-entrenched in their position, the masses of people are left on their own to tend for their survival, oftentimes in difficulties and want.

3. Form a core group of prospective organizers.

Form a core group of prospective organizers which will carry on the task of organizing the people's movement towards the objectives and vision set forth. Organizing a core group is key to effective organization and expansion of the group. The core group serves as an instrument through which the organization will move and grow.

In considering the size of the core group, the model that Jesus provides is that of his 12 disciples. Putting aside the mystical and symbolic significance of the number `12', the important point to consider here is that the core group must not be too large that it becomes too loose and unwieldy nor must it be too small that it becomes inadequate and ineffective.

In the beginning of the organizing process, the lead organizer is literally on his/her own. However, as s/he broadens his/her acquaintance and familiarity with the people and the area, s/he begins to identify persons who are prospective members of the core group. Also s/he is able to rely on the support of others as well as identify available resources for the organizing program.

The good organizer should not attempt to be a loner in undertaking the tasks of the organization and of the movement. It is a must to share and relegate tasks and responsibilities with prospective and identified members of the core group or support group. In doing so, the load and tasks are shared and others are given opportunities and experiences to develop skills and test their capabilities.

The lead person or organizer is not meant to be the perpetual leader for the group, organization or movement. The real impact and test of effectivity of the core group organizer or leader will be measured not by his/her continued presence but by the time when core group members take over such tasks and responsibilities.

4. Acquire an understanding of the social and cultural context as well as of the physical and geographical setting.

When Jesus launched his organizing work, he possesses an understanding and grasp of the social and cultural milieu. This awareness is coupled with his firm grasp of the physical and geographical characteristics of the areas where he conducts his organizing activities.

Community organizers and leaders have much to learn from such insights from Mark's Gospel. Other facets of community life such as kinship patterns and relationships, religious and folk practices, economic and political systems and structures will prove helpful for anyone who intends and expects to do serious organizing.

A first-hand and working knowledge of the area's terrain and geography is essential. One does not venture to organize based on second-hand information nor expects results in a classroom or office-setting. An organizer should spend time with people and move about where they live, work, study, worship and socialize.

5. Respond to people's needs and in the process provide learning experiences for both the masses and core group.

The presence as well as the skills and experiences of the lead organizer and his/her core group will draw people's notice and attention. People will approach them concerning their pressing needs and problems. As such, both leader and core group should be sensitive to such an approach. They should be creative in providing means by which people could deal with their situations of need. There are times when the needs could be met but at other times, the people will have to be resourceful and seek ways on their own.

People can be empowered to deal with their problems and needs. These contacts and relationship with people in need become occasions for educating the people. These are also opportunities for training core group members. For both the people and organizers, the educational process and the learning experiences open the prospects for understanding essential elements such as:

  • a vision of the ultimate goals of the organizing efforts;
  • a program which clarifies the content, methods, and tasks;
  • a set of attitudes and patterns of behavior, values and priorities;
  • an alternative work style and lifestyle;
  • a plan and timetable that will seek to realize the program's objective.

The methods of mass and popular education, the occasion and venue for instruction, the small-group and large-group teaching experiences, the stories and parables, the continuous questioning and life situations are among the number of teaching methods which could find relevance and application in particular educational needs. There are models and patterns which could be used creatively to stimulate the learning process and encourage participation and productive responses.

6. Provide the core group with continuous experience and training to further advance organizing work.

The lead organizer should prod core group members to continuously integrate so they can further appreciate social reality in a community or sector. As such, they can put into practice the learning previously gained.

They must constantly be out in the field, living and working with people-taking advantage of every opportunity that will enhance their organizing efforts. There is no substitute for learning with and from the people and in the process, for the people to learn to do things on their own creatively.

The learning of organizers and core group members is an ongoing process. Each case and each occasion could shed light and provide insight, general guidelines or specific pointers. Other dimensions of the same reality could be viewed differently and provide other meanings as a result of shared experiences.

7. The core group is eventually dispersed for them to reach out to other areas, communities and people.

The core group is never meant to be one and intact all throughout. Neither will they remain in one place. On their own initiative or through other means, they have to move on to other places. In a way, organizing people is not like holding a settled or established job. Organizing does not stop when a group, sector or community has been organized. That becomes a starting point in a way, because new persons, teamwork and relationships are being established.

Expansion work continues and is carried by other teams of organizers who now take their turn in identifying persons who will compose their new core groups; and training of organizers and leaders.

The work of the original core group is not over when its organizing program or project in a particular place is completed. It may only mean moving to another place. And they are encouraged to move on, to disperse and organize among the basic masses of the people in other areas - villages, communities, region, country, or other areas in the world where organizing is needed and the challenges are present.

The original organizer and his/her core group, after having gone through a wealth of experiences and training are likened to a stone thrown into a pool of water, producing ripples in ever-widening concentric circles. The experience is repeated with variations and distinctive elements, but the same challenge and commitment are demanded to share the Gospel and spread the reign of God. The invitation for organizers, leaders and common folks is the same as it was in the beginning of the organizing ministry of Jesus:

"Come with me and I will teach you to catch men." (Mark 1:17)

(As Jesus exhorts his disciples how to be an organizer of people.) "Follow me!" (Mark 2:14)

"I have chosen you to be with me...I will also send you out." (Mark 3:14)

 

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