During the Catalyst One-Day-Conference at GCC Andy Stanley said,
"The more complex your church government, the more that complexity will war against your vision."
That comment caused me to pause and give thanks for the simple structure that maximizes our ministry at GCC. As form follows function, our structure serves our mission.
Simple. Clear. Uncluttered.
We are on mission...
Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
That's a powerful statement from Andy Stanley.
It makes me wonder though, aren't those other arms of Church governance a means of implementing checks and balances on the pastor and other key leaders in the Church?
Then on the other hand, I would think that it's not so much your Church governance that causes the push-back against your vision, but the PEOPLE in your key leadership positions within your organization, that becomes the wrench in the works.
I love that this statement proves that Andy is a Vision-Driven Leader, where everything he does is centered on and determined by a vision, - or The Vision - and he never lets that vision get over-ridden by other 'mechanical' issues.
Posted by: Hervict Jacobs | November 25, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I recently read Simple Church by Rainer and Geiger -it's very good and helpful. Sort of echoes what Stanley said.
It talks about focus too (reminds me of Craig G. GLS who I re-read on your site today - thanks for that)
Posted by: see-through faith | November 26, 2008 at 06:59 AM