Importance: 10%
The Big Idea
The idea that particular organizational structures arise from particular narratives about what the organization is and how it should function.
Democratic or “Will of the People” Narrative
Voter’s assembly seen as the core powerholder. Churches don’t do well when this narrative rules because people become beholden to what they want as a right.
The Primary work of the church becomes pleasing the most people.
Parliamentary or Mini-Country Narrative
Roberts Rules of Order meetings and decisions are treated like legislation.
The primary work of the church becomes administering “good laws”
Business or CEO Led Narrative
Congregation is seen like a business that is doing well if the bottom like is growing.
The primary work of the church becomes amassing members and/or other resources.
Family Circle or House Church Narrative
Usually a reaction against other more organize forms of Church. Hope to operate like the early church meeting in homes and small groups. Often struggles with coherence and is locked in at a small size.
The primary work of the church is deep relationships with a few people.
Parochial or Program Narrative
Church is seen as a place of programming and resourcing.
The primary work of the church is to provide the most and best quality program opportunities as possible.
Models of Church Governance
- Church assembly
- Church Council - heads of smaller boards come together and hash out things
- Parallel Boards - boards are basically run in parallel and don’t really interact.
- Managing Board - basically same as church counsel but there is only one larger board and other smaller groups become ministry action teams that are not fully vested boards.
- Governing Board - written polices rather than direct management
Important Areas in a Church
Elders - Care and concern Preschool Property Management Stewardship Discipleship and Outreach Christian Education Assimilation Communications Family Life Fellowship Young Adults Youth
Who is responsible for something
When something is not the responsibility of a particular person it quickly becomes no ones responsibility.
- Staff person
- Lay Officer or Volunteer
- Temporary Action Team
- Board or Committee
overfocus on mechanical structure of the organization and not always a lot of thought into the contents of our actions. or what kind of people our structure pushes us toward being
Mission - the overall purpose of why we are a church Patterns - helps picture the idea things we want to do and accomplish Policies - what is the purpose of a policy. Puts parameters around things