Incarnate Leadership
This March, in accordance with the wishes expressed by Classis at our October meeting, a group will gather to discuss the “non-negotiables” of Classis membership; focusing on the theological ‘distinctives’ and ‘unifiers’ that (at least in part) help hold our group together and help clarify who will be allowed ‘in.’ It is no secret that our Classis already has a variety of viewpoints and practices for everything from baptism to church government that differ from many RCA churches nationally. Naturally, some find this tension difficult and perhaps unnecessary because — after all – we are part of a historic denomination who has clearly declared our ‘standards.’
I was originally attracted to the RCA because of compelling phrases like “constantly reforming to the Word of God” and some ‘big tent’ inferences – there was “more that unites us than divides us.” It is my belief that this spirit is still strong among many in our Classis. We realize that a generous orthodoxy will be required to navigate the future in a post-Christian era when every historical denomination will have to deal with decades-long decline in growth and effectiveness. In my zeal to see the fruitful evangelization of Southern California, some have mistakenly perceived or suggested that I’m ‘trying to “save” the RCA (or Classis).’ That is not my goal – but I do know by experience the value of growth (which brings so many options), the value of ‘agreement’ and walking tribally for the sake of learning and helping one another (minimally, provoking one another to love and good deeds?). In my case, it is not a particular organizational rule that drives me to explore missional-effectiveness, it’s the Chief Missionary himself and the gratitude I have for all he has done for me.
If you are a Commissioned Pastor or a Minister of Word and Sacrament, you recited a vow that you “believe the gospel of God in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and as expressed in the Standards of the Reformed Church in America.” Further, you agreed that you “will conduct the work of the church in an orderly way and according to the Liturgy and the Book of Church Order.” It is how this is being interpreted and implemented in our Classis that seems to be a key issue as we consider whom to let ‘in’ to our tribe when they do not come from an RCA background. It may be as simple as deciding ‘what’ is going to be measured and ‘who’ is going to measure it. Perhaps we are going to have to choose between long-held and familiar values that have at least contributed to decades of decline or embrace new values that also seem to contribute to the numerical and spiritual growth of the ‘outsiders’ who are coming to us for acceptance ‘in the tribe.’
In his book, “Incarnate Leadership,” Whitworth University president Bill Robinson makes these observations: “value-driven organizations outperform rule-driven organizations.” Looking at your own ministry context, how does that apply? Robinson goes on to say . . . “Decisions based on VALUES rely on wisdom and honesty. RULES depend on knowledge and obedience. Value-driven organizations benefit from the access to information enabled by openness. Rule-driven organizations need only enough information to enforce the rules. Values are smarter than rules, and when leaders convert organizational values into rules, they are left with restrictors rather than guides.”
I have often re-quoted a line I heard more than 30-years ago in reference to ‘liturgies’ and rote religious practices: “Religion is the crystallization of yesterday’s revelation.” What was once fresh and life-giving can and sometimes does . . . become nothing more than vain repetition. When we make ideas, liturgies or theologies into idols (and by definition, an idol is something that we look to for things that only God can give), the end result can be deadly.
Seven years ago I first published a list of values among a small group that I had hoped would begin to take hold in the churches and leaders that were being planted in our Classis. The first three were admittedly out of my own preference: 1) Kingdom First, 2) Generosity and 3) Loving Submission to Loving Authority. These ‘values’ have been the filter through which I ‘see’ and hopefully ‘do’ ministry. They come from within – not in the form of rules, but in response to what I perceive as an invitation to live more ‘nobly’ or Christ-like. Obviously we all live out of our own values (internal motivations) more often than we live by rules (external motivations). So as we take a long look at what unites or separates us from others in the Christian community, I pray we do so more out of a context of values than rules. I would submit that noble, Christ-like ‘values’ are born out of optimism — that we all might experience “life-transformation” (becoming new creatures) and ‘rules’ often come out of negativity and fear — feeble attempts toward “sin-management” (and we of all people know the law never made anyone perfect!). I find myself singing more and more, “Grace is what I long for, grace is what I need.” What incredible opportunities lie ahead for those who would dare trust Almighty God and his great grace rather than themselves and frail man-made rules!
