How true are these observations about committees?!
- To get something done a committee should consist of no more than three people, two of whom are absent. (Robert Copeland)
- If Columbus had an advisory committee he would probably still be at the dock. (Arthur Goldberg)
- If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in. (Author Unknown)
- Any committee that is the slightest use is composed of people who are too busy to want to sit on it for a second longer than they have to. (Katharine Whitehorn)
For me, they’re all true, but if I’m going to be on a committee or form a committee, I’m going to follow Katharine Whitehorn’s advice.
Yet, there is no doubt that the leadership of the early church was collaborative and groups of leaders met to make key decisions. Deacons worked together in the Jerusalem church to distribute aid to the widows and orphans, and I’m pretty sure that meant they had to meet and discuss the strategy and implementation process.
We’ve been looking at Acts 15 as a case study for us today, and it is clear the controversial decision to trust the Holy Spirit’s work in the non-Jewish population came as a result of a thorough discussion of the church elders. It does appear as if James, the half-brother of Jesus, may have moderated the meeting, but it was just as clearly a collaborative process. As that decision was implemented, it meant further compromise and supporting decisions. This passage from Acts 21:18-25 is fascinating and provides further insight into how the early church trusted that God spoke through the group, not just one charismatic leader.
The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.
“Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow. Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, paying for them to have their heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws. “As for the Gentile believers, they should do what we already told them in a letter: They should abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
Rumors were circulating among the members of the Jerusalem church that Paul was teaching not only the gentiles, but also the Jewish Christians living in other cities where churches had sprouted up to toss their Jewishness overboard and skip keeping the law. We do know that Paul was utterly convinced that keeping the Law of Moses did not make a whit of difference if someone was a follower of Jesus or not. This was the way things were, but God was clearly doing a new thing for both Jews and non-Jews. But in order to accommodate the concerns of those who thought it made a difference, James and the elders were asking Paul to help them out by showing support not only for the non-Jewish Christians but to make allowance for the feelings of the Jewish Christians. The fact that Paul did just that is an indication of his respect and submission to the leadership of the church even though he was clearly the most charismatic and influential leader among the churches at large.
As Presbyterians, we trust the Holy Spirit speaks through both the clergy and the lay leaders in a collaborative process which takes into account the views of the majority while respecting the minority. Ours is a collaborative process which is sometimes ponderous and seems like a huge time waster for those of us who want things to happen now. Yet, somehow God is in the process. I’ve found the voice of God can be heard after countless hours of discussion when someone who has not been the most influential leader among the leaders, finally speaks and we all sense that what they’ve said is what we need to pay attention too. On some of these difficult issues facing the church today, it just takes what it takes to move forward one step at a time. And yes, God does work through committees. Our God is that amazing.
Join me Sunday as I lay out more about this and wrap up our series about who we are and how we got here.
Now…for the other stuff on my desk…
GET READY FOR THE 9TH ANNUAL ANDY’S PARTY ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 14TH, 1:00 PM
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, WE WILL GOING UP TO THE DIAMOND A RECREATION CENTER for An Old-Fashioned Church Family Picnic—Barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, salads and dessert. Activities will include swimming, softball, field games, and of course, lots of laughter! Plan to bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, picnic blankets and lawn chairs. We will provide the food, utensils, plates and cups. Save the date, because you won't want to miss it! There is no cost - we only ask that you let us know if you are coming so that we can plan accordingly with the right amount of food. RSVP cards will be in this Sunday's bulletin. EVERYONE IS INVITED AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
WE ARE FORMING THE ST. ANDREW “RELAY FOR LIFE” TEAM!
There are two ways you can support the team -
--Participate as a team member
--Make a donation.
We've made it very simple - the link below will bring you to the team page which will allow you to sign up to be on the team or to simply donate.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11CA?team_id=980563&pg=team&fr_id=31944
Event Begins: Saturday, August 6, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Sonoma Valley High School
With that…you really do know what I know…
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