The Organized Church

SUN., JULY 29, 1990, 6:53 AM
FARM, STUDY

Almost back to the normal way you lead life, you look forward to worship service today and the discussion afterward. The Synod School experience was full and demanding, but also fun and fulfilling. And remember… this was possible because of the larger Church, even within the Presbyterian system. You may have a chance to make that statement today.

Organization is necessary if a church is to survive and thrive today. (Worry not… you’ll find it.) Money is necessary, and there must be organization to encourage giving on a regular basis. Members expect certain services and personnel, all of these within some organized system.

Your church is organized in a representative, democratic way. This is appropriate to the people who make up your membership, for in such a system people must volunteer to be part of the organization. Carol sounded you out as to your willingness to be part of the organization that makes Synod School possible, and you said No. This is appropriate for you, but continue to value and applaud those who do serve on this committee. Without their planning and continuing service there would be no School for you to enjoy as you do.

The Church was born on Pentecost morning, with no organization… not even a form. There was wind, there were tongues of fire, and then a disciple/fisherman began to preach… actually to tell a story. Many heard. Many of these wanted to hear some more. So the Church began to form. Now you shall experience a form of this, and after this immersion you shall complete this Teaching. How’s that for use of time and necessity?

( 7:16 AM / 3:09 PM )

Those who were gathered to experience the video and the discussion following were folks, most of whom were committed to the institutional Church. And yet all did not respond alike, much like those who spoke on the video. You attested to your Synod School week, and you shall say more about that in the Newsletter you shall compose this week. The fact that the church is an organization makes this Newsletter both possible and desirable, and you have the privilege of getting it together this month… and each. Continue to use this opportunity for words and ideas you want others to consider.

As Jesus I was not big on organization. There are only a few hints about how we functioned during My active ministry, but, rather clearly, I was not the organizer and administrator. I did not found the Church, even as it is truthfully seen now as My Body. I could have done it, but that was not My calling. You are happy to have a somewhat similar non-calling for organization and efficient administration. Your tasks are to take on jobs that are part of the organization which do not require you to organize others. Continue to appreciate and honor those who do take charge.

As mentioned today, one of the sins which the church is prone to is pride and the desire to better self. Put another way, the call which is the least apt to be heard is that of giving to others, even to the apparent detriment of your own welfare. Continue to urge your church to give to the mission beyond your property, and, for yourself and Lenore, give generously to Christian causes that are related to but beyond your church’s giving. It is just a rare organization that doesn’t want to improve itself, be more effective, have more staff, and more comfortable and usable facilities. As Jesus, that wasn’t a great temptation of Mine, so it was no great virtue to keep My “organization” simple.

The Synod School is a fine symbolic evidence of the interconnectedness of you Presbyterian Christians. Yet just gathering together is not enough. There must be organization and much coordinated volunteer work. Each activity has the potential for bringing diverse people together. The whole week is a fine spiritual experience… because some do work skillfully and hard at organization.