Skip to content
GOVERNANCE & MINISTRY
by Dan Hotchkiss
Contact Dan
Buy Governance & Ministry
Know-how and Decide-what
Open external resource
← Previous
Next →
Excerpt
Andrew George on Unsplash It is a truth all but universally acknowledged—especially in small congregations—that whoever does the work should call the shots. Musicians are responsible for music, educators manage children’s programs, activists organize for social change. In the chancel, everyone defers to the altar guild. The underlying principle is clear: “Those with know-how should decide-how!” But sometimes we go even further and let people who know how also decide what the congregation should be trying to accomplish. I want to propose an improved rule: “Those with know-how should decide-how, but everyone should have a voice when we decide-what.” The first part of the rule is just common sense. If your heating system needs repair, you should select a contractor you trust and let them do the job. You’ll check in now and then, but unless you see a problem, the expert is the best one to decide how to
Validate Email
Search for: