Understanding the Three Church Systems
"Fred Smith, Sr."
God values the means over the end.
—Fred Smith This is a very personal opinion that comes from observing and participating in many churches for more than fifty years: Most churches are run on the poor human system, a kind of system with which you'd run a marginal business. There are two other systems with which churches can operate: the good human system, and the spiritual system. Only the last is the one on which the church of Christ should be run. Poor human system
In a marginal church you have a "Mom and Pop" operation, and both "Mom and Pop" are tired, harassed, and limited. One may serve different functions than the other, sometimes not even properly classified functions. Sometimes Mom is a better financier than Pop, so she handles the cash register. Pop may have more energy than Mom and so when he's on the premises, he keeps the store open longer. He may sit at the front door while she sits at the back, or they may reverse it. I see churches run this way. The pastor and his wife are running a "Mom and Pop" operation. The church will not pay Mom, although they expect her to work. She runs the missionary society, helps with the catering, makes calls with Pop, and usually plays the organ. If she's really strong, she may teach a class and even quietly help him prepare the sermon. Though she is not paid, she comes under the same review as "Pop." These operations never grow very big because Mom and Pop have to see to everything and do everything. Some insidious things usually start to happen. Mom and Pop often learn to like this management style and they become attached to the location, or at least they don't know of another place to go. And, being human, security becomes important to them. If Pop isn't the greatest preacher on ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
