Why do I Find This Odd?

I'm in the process of re-evaluating staffing needs and roles for next year.  I expect to take the lead in making recommendations and selections relating to future staffing.

At the same time, our Church Council (equivalent to Elders/Deacons) election is coming up and I'm doing my best to remain at arms length from the process.  I'm intimately involved in the activities of our church, but choose to remain outside the process for the group that will significantly impact our vision, values and future direction.

Staff selection is based upon carefully evaluating needs, criteria, gifting and calling.  But any member can nominate any other member for Council.  One is a deliberate process; the other seemingly random.

The juxtaposition between my being strongly involved in staff selection, but distanced from Council selection strikes me as odd.  Yet that has historically been my stance and it is only now that the two events coalesce that I am musing about the oddity.

I haven't yet taken the time to reformulate my views but I would be interested in your perspective. 

Comments please.

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Comments

[Tim Schmoyer]

Yeah, you're right. I hadn't thought about this before, but it is a bit odd. Hmm...

[Jen]

I'm currently reading a Christian novel called 'And the Shofar Blew' by the lovely and talented Francine Rivers (plug, plug, plug!). The story tells of a man who grew up as a pastor's kid in a megachurch in the US and is now pastoring his own small congregation. Having grown up in the shadow of his father he begins working in this church to build the CONGREGATION rather than the KINGDOM. Part of this plan is to get men just like himself to serve as deacons so they will vote for things he wants to pass; will have the same vision as he has and allow him to continue unheeded. While I haven't got to the climax yet, I'm pretty sure things are going to end badly!!

I think that the separation of council nominations from the pastor promotes a healthy environment in which the church can function. Firstly, the congregation as a whole can be more accurately represented when nominations are open to all. And secondly it stops corruption from a pastor who has another agenda.

I say, good work on keeping your nose out of it David!