Chronicles of a Tinman

I would never consider working for the Lord a "job" in the classic sense, but working for a church definitely is. When you work for a church, especially one in the 1-5 thousand members range, there are many aspects that are extremely similar to any secular corporation. We have multiple pastors (the different section managers), all under our executive pastor (the vice president of the company) and our senior pastor (the president himself). These pastors each have assistants and staff underlings in proportion to the size job bestowed on them. There are even interns who are hired, more or less, as payed slaves trying to move up the pastorship ladder (much like many secular corporations).

Don't get me wrong, I love the quality of organization that is usually exhibited by the staff. Everything is double checked and filed in triplicate. The i's are always crossed and every t dotted... or something like that.

And while this process of transforming the church into a business is in many ways beneficial (better money managment, larger event capabilities, and greater staff organization), the question must be posed of how all of this is harmful. If we are trying so hard to mimic the secular business world is there a point where we eventually cross over and become part of it? In our extensive quest to be good at a "job" do we sacrifice our purpose? Are we, like so many superplex-churches, meticulously contributing to the transformation of religion into a business overrun by the laws and, possibly but not necessarily, greed of man?

This thought of mine comes from wittnessing the interworkings of my church. As a staff we are a tooth and nail crew, trickling gossip from the crevices of our hearts and using it as the glue that bonds us together. Rather than love and encouragment our work stations and relationships are often based on and fueled by sarcasm, competition, distrust, gossip, greed, arrogance, and pride.

I am not by any means implying that there is no hope for our church. We are largely fruitful, but if we desire to be a true religion rather than veering towards a secular one we must follow the words of James who said, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:26-27 We are to be in the world but not of the world. We are an example set before men of the love and grace of God. If we cannot demonstrate these qualities in the workplace (our church) among ourselves (the staff), but instead gripe and snivel to and about each other stirring discourse and malcontent, then what hope is there for our religion? "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing... For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:15,17 With this said we must be examples of the love of God, living and breathing, walking and talking mirrors by which the world can see His reflection. Anything less, in my opinion, is unworthy of the title of church staff. And I do not mean to say that anything short of perfection should be excommunicated, for we are all imperfect and unable to attain God's request. What I am saying is that I pray to see such a spirit of humility among the church staff that as we make mistakes and sin we would beg forgiveness "with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12) from God and strive to, by God's grace and For His Glory, better ourselves as we work to further and more completely serve Him.