Unfortunately, this mixed metaphor describes what we often do in church . Naturally creative people come up with new ideas then those ideas are stifled in the implementation phase. Why? There are many causes—a desire to control, fear of the untried, failure to understand, satisfaction with the status quo, or lack of vision. Exactly what is the role of leaders and leadership groups (committees, deacons, elders, etc.) in a congregation? Are these people gatekeepers or permission givers? Do they seek to empower or control? Do they build up the body of Christ or hold it captive? Certainly, there is a need to vet new ideas to make sure that they are moral, financially feasible, and comply with basic legal concerns. Real leaders, however, find ways to bring creative ideas into compliance so that they can move ahead rather than be stopped in their tracks. One reason that young adults are disenchanted with the church is that they no...
Comments from a Christ-follower on things that matter to him