If you bother with books that line the leadership section of your local Christian book store, you will notice a trend in the last few years of large questions being raised at the organizational structures found in church. This is of course cyclical, remember that whole Schism thing that resulted in two Popes and two Catholic churches, or that Reformation thing that led to Protestant churches and congregational rule.

The same questions are being asked of the church, that are being asked of our government. Do you let decisions trickle down from the top, or do you allow them to come from a process involving many? Reagan ran the country from the top down, while Kennedy ran the country with input from many. Is one right and one wrong, or are they just different?   

Here is a comparison chart of a standard organization vs. Disney. (thanks to a friend for tweeting this)

I'm currently taking a Seminary class on The Theology and Practice of Ministry, which means we are looking at church structure, especially the ministry of the members of the church, and how the Gospel can't go out to the nations, if it rests only in the hands of professional Pastors.

So here is how my weird brain ties all this together. If God's story of redeeming his creation through the sacrifice and hope found in Jesus, is the greatest story of good news the world will ever hear................... how should the church be organized?

It's clear that Disney is terrific at telling stories that are compelling and endured by generations. They use a team of people, passionate about what they do, resulting is amazing creative gifts bestowed to the world.

CHURCH........... Every one of you is needed to fulfill God's purposes on this temporary home. You can't leave it up to the pastors, we need you to push all your chips into the middle and ride this wave towards redemption. People are starving for the story of God, they are longing for hope, they are lost without answers, and WE know the truth.

We must do the hard work of living open handed lives, knowing that each day and every relationship is a gift, and that we are part of God's story. Will you live like it?????