Champions Fax Archive

"Organic" replaces "Machine" is the heartfelt message of this must read book by William Easum and Thomas Bandy. As we head into the 21st Century, a new order of church health is needed. The old traditional ways of growing churches are failing as rapid change demands that we all respond to the turbulent and shifting landscape of spiritual life. New programs will no longer serve as a quick fix, only change that is truly systemic will make a difference.

Read these words of Easum and Bandy from page 206:

If Churches were "machines - and church participants were merely assorted officeholders, committee members, converts, offering envelope holders, and other statistical "cogs and wheels" for the "machine" - then optimum quality of life could be described as "energy efficiency." The quest for quality of life would focus leadership on lubricating wheels, eliminating redundancy, repairing short circuits, and increasing service for broken, worn out, or defective parts of the machine.

However, if churches are "organisms" - and participants are spiritually growing persons with diverse tastes and lifestyles, personal needs and spiritual yearnings - then optimum quality of life can best be described as "good health". The quest for quality will focus leadership on planting seeds, fertilizing soil, nurturing growth, and enhancing the opportunities for every root, twig, and leaf to stretch out into the environment.

The metaphor of the spiritual redwood is used throughout the book to communicate the significance of spiritual vitality over committees, by-laws and programs. The authors do not suggest "spiritual free for all" or complete lack of structure, but that old hierarchical structures be replaced by grass roots leadership that is shared by the people and the pastor(s).

This new structure can often be found in a variety of small groups that bring balance to freedom and covenant. Freedom to think, speak and consult. Freedom to exercise power, make decisions and take action. Freedom to share, care and critique. This new covenant represents the balance of a shared relationship of affirmation and acceptance that includes loving accountability. It includes networks of learning and cooperation. It results in groups of equal voice, shared values and common purpose.

Leadership unites and gives guidance to Freedom (in Christ) and covenant (Relationship) through training, coaching and mentoring the small group leaders. The 21st Century leader will spend much less time in meetings and much more time cultivating spiritual growth.

Growing Spiritual Redwoods is not another "how to" book, but a refreshing new way of thinking about spiritual life and growth for the future.

Growing Spiritual Redwoods is published by Abingdon Press. You may order a copy of the book by calling Abingdon Press at 800.251.3320 or by ordering online from Amazon books at www.amazon.com.