Form and Function

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

The fourth complaint young leaders have about their senior counterparts is that there are too many rules. As a baby boomer, I can't help but laugh at this one. Breaking the rules was our generation's biggest accomplishment. Now we've become our parents. Younger leaders say about older leaders, "You're more concerned about policy than people. You are hesitant to make changes and try out new ideas. You are led more by policy and procedure than by passion. You develop mandates and policies to manage exceptions. You are so rigid about rules like Tattoos in the workplace."

Wow, are you right! It is incredible how often I rely on rules, policies, and norms to provide safe boundaries in which to work. But have rules become our righteousness? I'm not ready to abandon all guidelines. As leaders in the church, we should have shared ethical standards, some clarity about the mission, and some polity to manage our institutions. But I hear you; rules can stifle innovation, limit creativity, and become a barrier to the movement of the Spirit. Rules cannot become a substitute for leadership, dialogue, or trust. In high-functioning institutions, clarity of mission and interpersonal trust can replace the need for many rules.

The fourth concern older leaders expressed about younger leaders is they are just not committed. "They want too much flexibility in their schedule. They lack respect for policies. Younger leaders are not committed to the company. They are just there until times get tough or they don't like a rule change, and then they leave." I have to admit I have often wondered if young clergy care enough about the institution of the church for it to survive. However, maybe there is a reason they are not as committed to traditional and institutional expressions of the church. It may be that these expressions are no longer relevant to the future they see. Young leaders don't lack commitment. They lack a commitment to things that do not suit their sense of faith and call. Let's face it the world is changing, and the church needs to become a relevant expression of faith for a new generation.

Remember, it is not the church institution we are called to serve. Christ calls us to serve the Gospel. That can take many forms. Let's not fall into the trap of form over function. Young leaders can help us transform the institution of the church into relevant expressions that speak and serve the Gospel in their generation. So let us hold our attachment to forms more loosely since what binds us together, older and younger, is our commitment to serving the living Christ.