i suppose all of us have some sort of "lifetime to-do list". you know what i'm talking about--the things you'll always get to "someday." for some, it is a collection of life experiences to be experienced (someday i'd like to try bungee jumping. someday i'll be brave enough to try sushi.), for others it is a to-do list, but for things that require more time than we currently have to devote to such a project (when i write the great american novel...).
i often fall into this later category.
my coffee buddee (notice the "ee" in homage to coffee) reminded me today that for nearly 5 years i've been talking about a book i'm going to write entitled, "why i left the restoration movement". i imagine it will be one of those imaginary conversations that we have with ourselves where we set out to disprove something, but end up confirming it to ourselves--i.e. the basic principles, slogans and dogma of the restoration movement (because you know we're not a denomination). but alas, after these 5 years, the book remains unwritten.
i realize that is a lot of backstory, but it's necessary.
but, also included in our coffee talk today was the inspiration for another book (to be written at a later date). i'm happy to announce my next rendering will be titled "we're a church, not a team".
the underlying motivation is because i'm tired of hearing about corporate teamwork within the church. too many people are giving us a bill of goods that is promoting an unhealthy view of the church. we need to reverse our imagery. a church is a better concept than a team. scripture tells us how to be a church; it doesn't address the issue of teamwork.
i will admit that there are several images and ideas of scripture that promote "teamwork". but, my point is that you need to use the church as an example of how to get your team working better--vice-versa does not work here. in fact, i'll go so far as to say the idea of teamwork in the church (instead of "be the church") has been detrimental to us. a case could easily be made that this is yet another example of the world influencing the church instead of the other way around (the way God intended).
i'd love to discuss this more with anyone. drop me a line or share your opinions.
Lion of Judah, i feel your strength as you reveal to me more of this truth. let me not keep it to myself, but let me dialogue with others that You are raising up to be men and women of Your kingdom. every good and perfect gift comes from You. empower me to continue to discern Your truths and Your will, Your path and direction for Your church. in the world, "together, everyone achieves more", but in Your kingdom, "with God, all things are possible."
