Monday Meditation #42
In reading Gordon MacDonald’s, Ordering Your Private World, I came across a quote attributed to a famous 19th century English preacher.
Success exposes a man to the pressures of people and thus tempts him to hold on to his gains by means of fleshly methods and practices, and to let himself be ruled wholly by the dictatorial demands of incessant expansion. Success can go to my head and will unless I remember that it is God who accomplishes the work, that he can continue to do so without my help, and that he will be able to make out with other means whenever he wants to cut me out.
– Charles Spurgeon
The author’s reference point is that the uncontrolled drive seen in our career lives has a parallel in our spirtual lives; both fueled by a lack of satisfaction or contentment. I also think that this expansion trap can be seen in many churches that are caught up in trying to build the kingdom by worldly means (i.e., taking a business model approach). Keeping in mind that the big decisions in churches are made by individual leaders (or at least directed in the case of congregational denominations), it is a sobering reminder that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Ps. 147:1).
I like the Spurgeon quote.
“I also think that this expansion trap can be seen in many churches that are caught up in trying to build the kingdom by worldly means (i.e., taking a business model approach).”
What exactly do you have in mind here? Are there aspects of church life in which a “business model approach” might be appropriate? What ways do you think are inappropriate? I see both sides of this (i.e. some churches would do well to demand excellence like many businesses do, but some churches would do well to be less business like).
Curious about your thoughts.
B
Batch, sorry for the delay in responding to your question. Excellence (as defined by doing your best) is not what I mean by a business model approach. A good example of what I have in mind is this: Our church is not committed to programs. While we do have programs, we don’t necessarily have all of the “standard programs” going on all of the time. What we are committed to is discipleship. Any program we enact is in the context of our calling to make disciples. It’s also contingent upon the Lord to provide the necessary people, means and resources. Sometimes the difference can be subtle, but it’s very easy to forget that Christ is the head of the Church and that it is God who is building his Kingdom (not those of us in leadership).