a theological consensus,...the United Methodist Church has come to rely on the language of 'organizational structure' and the business world."- William Abraham
as paraphrased by Mark Tooley
as paraphrased by Mark Tooley
Thanks to Shane Raynor & Mark Tooley
6 comments:
Well of course; anything else has the potential to be viewed as "offensive" by somebody somewhere!
Keith:
Abrahams is spot on!
I find the aversion to management language interesting. Management is a body of concepts and practices that are used in many organizations - including business.
No one criticizes the use of music theory by muscians and choirs. No one faults preachers for being familiar with effective communication. No one says a church building should be built using "Biblical" building principles rather than modern ones.
Why is it wrong - at larger churches in particular - to organize the work of a group of people by methods that have proven effective and efficient?
Of course, you do not import the profit principle, but good management does not require the profit principle.
John:
There is no distain for management language and practices in and of themselves. Yes, management is necessary. What Abrahams is saying is that organiational structure has replaced theological foundations because we lack a theological consensus to have such a foundation.
It is a matter what what organizational structure has replaced, not whether or not management is helpful.
That's right; I think the point is that too often we seem to be united not by doctrine or mission, or even by a common liturgy (as in the Anglican Communion), but by a common pension plan and polity.
Keith:
Well said.
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