Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

I’m an institutionalist. I believe we’re stronger as a team - that’s dedicated to the mission - than we are siloed off. 

Yes, teamwork often means you move at the pace of the slowest moving part. I’m not a fan of moving unnecessarily slow. I love being productive and getting things done. The saying, “why put off to tomorrow what you can do today” may be a head scratcher to those prone to procrastination, but is how my brain works without much convincing.

All that aside, I’m an institutionalist. 

Have you heard a choir or a symphony? Hop in a time machine to an era before electricity, amplifiers, radio, and disembodied-music-on-demand. What would have been noticeably more moving, an orchestra or a single musician? 

In June 2021, our denomination had its General Council meeting in Nashville. C&MA workers and families met together to worship Jesus, committees met to prepare recommendations, and delegates met as a large group to conduct some business. Business sessions are my favorite part of General Council.

Last year, there were several proposed edits to our Statement of Faith on the agenda. Discussing phrasing in a large group isn’t glamorous work, but it is important.

At one point, a brother had the brilliant idea to make a motion to limit microphone time to 3 minutes from the standard 10. Bless him. The motion was seconded (we abide by Robert’s Rules of Order), discussed, voted on, and passed. Many of us were mentally high fiving each other that we could more efficiently vote on the proposed changes, pass or fail, and get our business done.

In our fancy schmancy smart phone General Council application, someone posted,

"They should have limited comment time per person to 3 minutes a lot earlier."

The next comment was perfect, written by someone who understands our institution and our rules of business. He replied,

"There is no 'they' - that is our choice as the body. We should start it with such a motion next time.”

The original poster replied back,

"You are correct. There is no 'they.'"

That, dear reader, is why I love institutions. Someone noted a problem, someone else said “we are capable of solving the problem,” and the original someone took the correction. 

I love being part of something bigger than myself. 

When you’re part of a Bible-believing church, you’re part of something bigger. When you’re a part of a movement for God, you’re part of a wildfire (one that doesn’t cause chaos but offers healing and hope in truth and love.) When you’re part of a Christ-exalting denomination, yes denominational life has its ups and downs, but man oh man, you’re one small part of something awe-inspiring.

We’re currently going through a ‘40 Days of Prayer: Reawakening to Christ’ series at our church. Last week’s topic was ‘Reawakening to the Church of Christ.’ The church is Christ’s body, many parts, united in Him (Eph 4:15-16.) The church is His bride, purchased by His blood (Rev 19:1.) We honor our undershepherds (Heb 13:17.) We serve Him who is the Shepherd. We take communion as a sacrament in our corporate gatherings and when we do, we remember both our Lord and a heritage shared with believers across time, death, and space (1 Cor 11:26.) 

And, on this side of eternity, the church is an institution. The church may be a stained beauty, but she is still my mother.

I know you’re dying to know, did we get all of our business done in Nashville? No. Many of us left frustrated. But the work will be there, if the Lord tarries, in 2023 in Spokane for us to pick back up. Lessons were learned, character was built, and we worked together. 

Teamwork, to the glory of God alone. 

Oh, and here’s a beautiful video of a choir singing the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. David French included it in yesterday’s French Press, his newsletter from The Dispatch, and I thought I’d pass it on. Enjoy.