From Tennessee - Club vs. Church

Reggie McNeal always bemoaned the fact that the church often demonstrated a club mentality. I understand what he meant. No question the 50 year-old South Holston Ruritan Club faces challenges in the future.

Some churches, however, would benefit from the South Holston Ruritan approach. For other churches, a club mentality would be a step up. Here are my observations of the club mentality:

1. Humble Leaders - I witnessed the outgoing president's last meeting and the installation of a new one. They presented the former president a lapel pin and a basket of fruit for his one year of volunteer service. He seemed genuinely grateful. The new president stammered as he looked at the floor of the platform. He said, uh, I will do my best, that is all I can promise. Uh, you guys are going to need to help me and when I mess up, tell me. Neither of these guys demonstrated my greatest strength, false humility. They meant it.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great, said the leadership in Great organizations demonstrated two traits. One of them is professional humility. Percept, the demographers for World Headquarters, estimated that 80% of South Carolineans, prefer the style of leadership that, works with them on deciding what to do and helps them do it. In comparison, roughly 4% preferred a leader who tells them what to do.

You can start an argument about the need for strong leadership. You might add that biblical leadership is uncompromising and bold if you want. First, however, you might consider the model of a healthy, balanced, in tune with the Father-type leader, like er . . . uh . . . Jesus. Oh, maybe that's not fair to play the Jesus card. Paul? We see elements of strength and even a prophetic vein in their leadership. We also see humble, servant leaders.

Much of what we give to churches under the guise of strong leadership is flesh. Leaders think we are being strong, when we actually lead like we would without Christ. Selfish, self-promoting, uncaring, and manipulative are not the ways of Jesus. A club mentality may help here. At least the club mentality demonstrated in the last two presidents at the South Holston Ruritan . . .

Live Christmas Jazz in E-town last night with Randy (b-i-l) and Debbie (beloved sister). Rick Simerly is a Jazz legend in East Tennessee. Eat your heart out Steve Carmel Frappichino Scudder. Great pictures and a long, hard walk/run around the lake was also happening. Fun abounds. Merry Christmas!