When a church goes corporate (part 4)

Decision making
In a corporation decisions follow a top-down approach. At the top, the CEO makes decisions based on market analysis, past history and any other appropriate data he/she can find. The approach seeks to be objective, analytical and scientific. As the CEO’s decisions filter down through the organization they drive other like decisions. The corporation desires logical, well-supported, yet speedy decision making. In fact, the ability to make decisions quickly is often valued above having made the right decision.

In a church shared leadership seeks to listen to and know the mind of Christ in a matter before proceeding. This can feel like a tedious process for someone bent on efficiency. Our Lord is as concerned about how we reach a decision—listening to him, trusting him and working with others—as he is about the decision itself. The reason for this again is that his goal for us is that we would be conformed to his character. This is worlds apart from the corporate model!

If the leadership team in a church is of one mind and heart, most decisions need not take long to reach. And the outcome always brings the satisfaction of knowing, “We’re all behind this decision and we believe God led us here.” Also, if we’re truly seeking Christ’s direction in a matter he will lead us as quickly as he deems necessary. We need to have that kind of trust in our Head.

©2009 Rob Fischer