What a great idea! – Cindy our Youth Leader was telling the Pastor that the youth group wants to open up the basement of the Church for three Wednesdays each month to offer donated clothing and household items to needy families in the community after school; they will serve sandwiches and drinks to those that come in to browse and offer this with donations they gather themselves – all this while showcasing some of the wonderful ministries here at Ya’ll Come United Methodist Church in Yourtown, Missouri.
Soooo, the Lay Leader tells her there is no church policy for use of the basement by the youth . . . the Pastor is concerned the Trustee’s and Kitchen Committee must be consulted at their meeting next month before proceeding, after all they just refinished the cabinets in the Kitchen and painted the downstairs . . . the Outreach Committee Chair says he already has his yearly schedule of events set . . .the Finance Committee doesn’t know if there is any budget available for the extra custodial support on Wednesdays and everyone would be upset if things were not in place for Sunday morning, because that’s the big day . . . Oh, yeah, and we’d better check with the SPRC group to see if that’s even in the Youth Leaders job description we did three or four years ago when we had to turn them into the District Office for Conference Review. . . and . . .
Is it possible that we could put up a few more of these hurdles to the work of Christ in our communities?
As servant leaders do you find some frustration in the ways we have found to tighten the structure within the walls of the church until we, as unintentionally as it may be, choke the passion and enthusiasm of our ministry and talent to the point that we just “show up” for the Praisetainment on Sunday?
John Wesley did not intend for this Connection of ours to become a hurdle, or brick wall to making disciples of Jesus Christ and empowering the good works of congregations in community, far from it, Pastor Wesley submitted himself to “become more vile” and go out to where the need is – to the farmer’s fields, the prisons, workhouses, and other places where the people were, but the church wasn’t . . . what about us? Have we started to let ourselves become limited . . . even if it is a make believe church basement on a Wednesday afternoon.
Now what if our fictious youth leader only heard “YES, how can we help you!”
But, Kevin, we’re Methodist – we’ve got to have a meeting; maybe even a covered dish to make a decision like this. Well, I’m going to disagree, now hold on – I’ve studied the Book of Discipline (you can’t work with one of the best DS's in Methodism and not study the Discipline), I know our structure, you’ve elected leaders and affirmed the ministry of your Pastor at Charge Conference; all according to the Discipline, we share the leadership with talented Clergy, and we do good . . . but that’s not it, it doesn't stop there, it's not good enough . . .
We should be a Church FULL of Leaders! Not just a few, FULL!
Leaders willing to risk telling Cindy and the youth group, YES! How can we help you?
Leaders willing, no, seeking to volunteer and serve on committees and teams to support, inspire, and break down barriers that keep us focused on the internal when there is plenty external need just around the corner.
Leaders looking toward inclusiveness and fighting to prevent exclusiveness.
Leaders holding each other accountable for our membership commitment of time, talent and treasure.
Leaders knowing well that our Discipline, Resolutions, and Polity are guides - not limits.
A Church FULL of leaders living a Christian example in our daily lives, in prayer for our faith, and committed to sharing it with others – not just occupancy of the pew on Sunday watching the clock and wondering if the Pastor has finally mastered the theology of Microsoft PowerPoint 2000-whatever.
YES - Pastor Wesley connected us as a Church FULL of leaders . . . appointed Clergy teaching and leading in the Word of God and Sacramental reminders of our Baptism, Laity members committed to our own vows of shared leadership, support and learning; and all of us, Clergy, Laity, Servant Leaders each and everyone CONNECTED in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and sharing grace and love to the world. Now that is truly vile
When I read the Methodist Book of Discipline, study its many paragraphs, sub-paragraphs and directives I have yet to come across the part where it tells us . . .
“Thou shall meet in Committee, just those elected to leadership so as to stand in steadfast impediment to outward ministry of the teachings of Jesus Christ thus protecting with utmost vigor our great Methodist traditions”
Churches FULL of leaders, lead by the spirit, and guided with discipline take the passion and vision of servant leaders like Cindy and break away the barriers, they confidently minister equally to those inside the church and those yet to cross the threshold; they embrace change without conflict, and they choose to enjoy the path they walk together.
I dream of a Church FULL of leaders – let’s dream together.
No comments:
Post a Comment