“I believe that both humans and institutions are sinful.” (from a candidate for ordination’s statement of faith shared recently in Chicago)
“Americans don’t look to institutions to solve their problems” (Newsweek p.38 9-19-11)
Yes and yes.
This is not to say that all institutions are ignoble or unhelpful. But as a person who has served The Institutional Church professionally for over 25 years, I’ve seen my share of sinfulness and snafus. And you have too.
– When fulfilling God’s call is blocked by internal spats that have nothing to do with the one seeking to serve.
– When fear rules over faith and it shows up in decision-making and procedures.
– When we trust policies more than people.
These kinds of things ruin the church and make many stay away at first whiff. We are a community of people. Institutions are people. We are sinful and get caught up in our own stuff. But – after lots of searching, believe me – I see that the best way to nourish people and get things done is with an organized community. And this is what my new job is all about. Really cool.
Image is the public Picasso in Chicago. Institutions can provide gorgeous art.
A Church for Starving Artists 