Busted Myths: Problems with Processes

H/T to my good friend Whit Martin for the link to Benjamin Yosua-Davis' recent commentary Can United Methodists follow their call? It addresses some of those same issues in workplace and church that I blogged on in Busted Myths. It also got me thinking more about some of the myths we're facing (thanks Whit, for your help).

Here in Paulding County, things which used to take years to change, are now changing in moments. This group of young Methodists that got together, dealt with changes happening within our faith community but which are changes happening everywhere. They have some valid concerns but they also reflect the diversity which is found in society. We don't all look at the world the same way and we all carry myths. Here are some of the ones this article raised for me that I've either held or have observed or a bit of both.

1. The Consultant Myth.
When things don't go right or the way we want, we start looking for the new "silver bullet." 'Consultants,''Experts,' new books and the next conference on how to grow bigger and how to staff are where we turn. They have a place but not at the forefront. This one was busted for me a few weeks back.

In this instance, we're speaking of Tim Keel and Doug Pagitt, who are not Elders in the United Methodist Church. Though I don't begrudge their place in the conversation or their connections to their own mainline traditions, they aren't in ours and I'm not sure if they're the right ones to be speaking to this issue in our denomination. Sounds to me like Ben and others were and are wrestling with this.

2. The Process Myth
All institutions have processes. Over the past week I've spent time with two families who were fighting the "process" in universities. I see numerous doctors following the process and meeting the expectations on them. We've still got plenty of law students sitting down for their Board. CPAs keep surviving their process of examinations.

At the same time, there are items not right with our ordination process. It needs some serious reform across the board and bring standards to an equal expectation. I've experienced being deferred and it felt unfair BUT it was the right thing to do.

3. The Degree Myth
No college degree, master's degree or doctoral degree makes one an expert on anything. It gives a measure of authority and validation of one's work. There are excellent business leaders with only a High School diploma behind them. In the same way, there are great lay speakers and local pastors serving the church.

4. The "Rights" Myth
More consideration ought to be given for gifts and calling but this does not mean it is a right to get the position you want. I don't think there are any more lazy members of Gen X/Y than there are Boomers, but we all still have to be faithful and demonstrate with the little we're given, we're worthy of more responsibility.

5. The "New" Myth
People who start their own business know it is hard work and the ones I've meet, credit and cut their teeth in other people's businesses before they started their own. And sometimes, these new businesses fail.

There is a saying, "every pastor is not a church planter but every church planter is a pastor." Before starting a church, one can sure benefit from experiencing the lead pastor role. You are going to be called on for funerals. You are going to be called on in times of tragedy in grief. Being called to start a new church isn't everyone's calling.

6. The Age Myth
When most of us over our lifetime are going to have something like 10-14 different jobs by the age of 38, you'd think more folks would pay attention (If Shift Happens Does Anyone Care?).

And maybe that is just it. Maybe we're looking at it all wrong to start - what if it isn't a bad thing ministers are coming in a bit later? If people need time to explore a few other careers, is that really bad? Could that not be part of God's working? I'd rather have someone give 20-30 years later than 5-10 and switch to another career...(at least I think so. Or I did at the moment I wrote that. I might change my mind so don't hold me to that...)

7. The Seminary Myth
Different from "The Degree Myth" but similar. The group in Arkansas at the gathering was right, most seminaries aren't equipping students for ministry but for academia. Even those which are doing the better jobs at it, aren't offering many classes in finance or real estate or networking, etc. (this is a hint to those interested in starting new churches).

8. The Institution Myth
Why would we ever wait on an institution to encourage young leaders? Anyone in leadership in an organization has the ability and opportunity to encourage and help young people to go for it! If you see young people with potential, don't discourage but encourage! By all means be honest but help them overcome the obstacles you already know are there. They've got to do the work but teachers come in all forms.

9. The Post-modern Myth
I'm glad the conversation is happening. It needs to happen more and it needs to happen now in more places and face-to-face. It also needs to be done from the view of our Wesleyan heritage. Post-modernism, seems to me, to degrade quickly into narcissism.

10. The End Myth
If you were thinking this was the end of my blog, sorry, that is a myth too. An article or paper used to have endings, now it is more a beginning or a continuation or a...




May I Ask: When was the last time someone from another generation encouraged you? How did impact your actions?

May I Suggest: Find young people and invest in them. Ask questions and get their insights.

What myths are you finding? Post them here!