mDNA: Organic Systems
Episode Summary
In the final episode of the Movement DNA (MDNA) series, Brian and Cory unpack the sixth and final core element: Organic Systems. Movements don’t thrive in rigid, centralized structures—they flourish in adaptable, living ecosystems that support freedom, reproduction, and innovation. This episode explores how healthy systems act like trellises in a garden, allowing disciple-making movements to grow strong and sustainable without losing the essence of the mission.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. A Recap of the Series and Why Organic Systems Matter Now
From Jesus is Lord to Apostolic Environment, the previous five elements prepare the ground.
Organic systems are the structure—the trellis—needed to support and multiply healthy growth.
Without intentional systems, the other elements may spark fruit, but won’t sustain movement over time.
2. What Are Organic Systems?
Living structures that are reproducible, adaptive, and scalable without centralized control.
They are designed to help good things spread, not to dictate every step.
Like a garden—not a factory. Systems should support life, not manufacture it.
3. Organic Systems vs. Mechanical Systems
Mechanical systems are linear, rigid, efficient—but fragile. One failure can collapse the system.
Organic systems are relational, messy, but resilient. If one part suffers, the rest can adapt and respond.
Example: If a microchurch or leader falters, the rest of the network supports and recovers, rather than collapsing.
4. Global Church Insight & Contextualization
In unreached areas, movement often emerges more easily because the environment is already liminal and organic.
In the West, legacy systems often work against movement, making disciple making feel like swimming upstream.
Healthy movements must build infrastructure aligned with their DNA—not retrofit old paradigms.
5. Practices That Sustain Organic Systems:
Simple, Repeatable Tools:
Lightweight, accessible tools (like DBS) that anyone can use—without needing experts.
Tools matter, but the heart and DNA behind them matter more.
Decentralized Decision-Making:
Decisions happen at the edge, not in top-down hierarchies.
Leaders empower others without needing permission—while staying aligned with the DNA.
Experiment & Adapt:
Systems allow for reflection, iteration, and feedback loops.
Examples include adapting the Disciple Maker Pathway or zero hour contextualization for high schoolers.
Permission-Giving Culture:
Say yes early and often—even if it’s a small yes.
Encourage, redirect, and walk with people in what God is calling them to—not control it.
Remember: Organic Systems Still Need Structure
Not rigid or excessive structure—but the right amount.
Pay attention to seasons, fruit, and soil—create what’s needed, not what’s familiar.
6. Why It Matters for Movement:
Organic systems multiply leadership, facilitate reproducibility, and normalize innovation.
Movements can't be manufactured—but they can be cultivated.
These systems provide the tracks for movement to run on without losing the freedom that makes it powerful.
Final Thoughts
You can’t force a movement—but you can create the conditions where one is likely to emerge. Organic systems provide those conditions. They’re not glamorous or fast, but they are essential. This final piece of MDNA may be the most misunderstood, but it’s what enables every other part to grow, multiply, and endure.
