I have been leading a series of classes for the
officers-elect Jim, Jimmie, Rick, Nada, Tammy, Ryan, Gina, Charles and Ron. (Technically "ordered ministers" rather than "officers") The
classes have been great, but the book we are reading is even better. It is
“Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers: A Handbook” by Joan S. Gray. Joan
has served in many capacities within the church, most recently as Moderator of
the 217th General Assembly. I believe her excellent work on this
book comes out of her 2-year experience of moderating our church through some
very difficult times.
She describes two different types of churches, a rowboat
church and a sailboat church. Both churches are filled with faithful leaders
who desire the best for their particular congregation. Both churches believe
that God sets the agenda and mission of the church. The rowboat church sees
that God has left it up to the church to get on with that agenda. The prevalent
attitude in a rowboat church is “We can do this” or “We can’t do this.” The
emphasis is on carrying out God’s mission ourselves, so there develops an
intense focus on resources such as money, building, and the number of people.
Rather than starting with what we have (or don’t have),
sailboat churches leaders begin by prayerfully discerning, “What is God leading
us to be and do now in the place where we find ourselves?” The dominant
attitude is that “God can do more than we can ask or imagine.” Whereas rowboat
leaders feel like it is all up to them to carry out God’s mission, sailboat
leaders are willing to let the winds of the Spirit not only set the direction
but to supply the wind necessary to move forward. Whereas burnout and
frustration are familiar in the rowboat church, leaders within sailboat
churches are energized. It is exciting to see where God is leading AND to see
how God makes it possible.
We put up the sails, Gray says, by developing three
essential attitudes and practices: a passion for God, faith in God’s provision,
and a willingness to let go. It’s simply not up to us, and we cannot control
the results. Yet we can focus on a passion for our Creator and Redeemer. And we
can develop a fuller trust that God will provide. Gray’s wisdom has been a boon
for me this fall. I hope it is for you and your congregation as well.
Wind-blown,
David
