A few weeks ago I wrote an extremely popular post on Leaders and Elders that received over 150 comments. This following quote is given in the context of this same argument. Wendell Berry, the great American essayist, novelist, poet and farmer, in his book, The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture, writes something that has stayed with me for years:
Contributions to nakedpastor are greatly appreciated.Amish ministers and bishops are chosen by lot, after fasting and prayer (as Mathias was chosen), and so they do not have a professional, a paid, an economically independent, or an ambitious clergy. Their religious services are held in barns or homes; their charities are not organized or abstract but are usually in direct response to observed needs. And so they do not have a church building or a building fund or church functionaries or administrators. There is little distinction between the church and its members.
Howdie! This contest began Wednesday. To enter, GO TO THIS LINK! 100 comments so far! You may win a painting, but you have to comment. The contest closes Sunday midnight Atlantic Time. Good luck.
Contributions to nakedpastor are greatly appreciated.
Morning! I started a contest yesterday. To enter, GO TO THIS LINK! Quite a discussion has developed that you might like to participate in. And you may win a painting. The contest closes Sunday midnight Atlantic Time.
Contributions to nakedpastor are greatly appreciated.
Simply make a comment on this post and you will be entered to win this original watercolor and ink painting of mine. The image size is 2.5″x3.5″, the official size of an ACEO. It is gallery-valued at $50. The contest closes Sunday midnight Atlantic time. You can comment as often as you like, but your name will only be entered into the draw once. The winner will be announced Monday morning. Have fun!
I’ve been thinking lots lately about terminology. For years our community has used the term “leader”, “leadership”, and “leadership team”. These terms do not belong in a community such as this anymore! “Leadership” gives the impression of directing others, telling them how to behave, someone in front of all the others, and that there is a goal to be strived for and conquered. It conjures up images of ambition, competition, manipulation, coercion, exploitation and success. It breeds discontentment for the present reality. It is based on a business model of people-management and is so strongly goal-oriented that it damages the beauty of what is. Love, in this milieu, is in danger of being used as a commodity to achieve the wishes of the visionary leaders.
I’m now thinking that we need to return to the word “elder”. It is old-fashioned, I know, but I think it better describes what community is about. “Elder” is not so much about movement outward towards a goal, but is more about growth and maturity. It is about responsibility, service and care. It is about acknowledging the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has a natural influence among the people that isn’t fabricated or artificial, but tangible and practiced. There is less danger of using people to achieve ends. Rather, people are respected as the end in themselves. Love, rather than a means to an end, becomes the end itself. These are my thoughts at the moment.
Contributions to nakedpastor are greatly appreciated.
David Hayward is a pastor artistically stripping to the essential.
