Uncertainty appears to the chief bugaboo of organizations. Max Miller, the Hamburg sociologist in his 2002 paper, Some theoretical aspects of systemic learning, abstracting organizational theorists (such as Simon and Weick), wrote, “If there is anything that defines the central problem of an organization, it is the inescapable and enduring struggle of coping with uncertainty. (Italics in the original.)
This is particularly potent when the organization is a church, a Christian church. Uncertainty is the modus operandi of God. Think of Abram. God told him to leave his home and people and take off “To the land which I will show you.” God told Moses to return to Pharaoh “so you may bring my people out of Egypt.” Other heroes are given similar commands. God doesn’t always give us blueprints. Instead He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct our steps.
You can imagine the conflicts this gives leaders of churches. They combat uncertainty, yet must remain open to intuiting the spontaneous movements of the Holy Spirit.
Comments 1
Leaders cannot deny that their greatest challenge lies in presenting an attitude of confidence, of certainty, in the face of that uncertainty. That’s why lawyers and publicists are making big doh. Right? And why it is tempting to draw the support of “yesmen” instead of seeking out those who are more willing to dialog?
The one accord that served as the church’s “kick-off” - was that dependence on the Holy Spirit?
Posted 04 Jul 2010 at 9:39 am ¶Post a Comment