Death Star? Mother Ship?

I have very little power in my job as a “middle judicatory staffer”  in a particular denomination and then again, I have lots of power.

Example of no power:  I can’t control God’s call.  (Note: this is fine with me but there are still people who believe I can “get them a call.“)  No I can’t.  I can’t control the minds of search committees.  I can’t make a search committee interview you.  I can’t articulate a call statement for you.

Example of lots of power:  I give people permission to do new things when they have been called, sometimes in unconventional ways.  I point out to search committees how amazing someone is.  I clear the way for churches and church leaders.  I get to hear the stories of people’s visions.  And I have a voice.

Some people believe I work at The Death Star – where dreams are dashed and endless rooms of red tape distract us from real ministry.

Some people believe I work at The Mother Ship – from where ministries  and ministers are launched, conflicts are mediated, and people are set free to go out and make disciples of all nations.

The future church of course is flatter – and maybe as flat as a pancake – which probably means there will be no paid middle judicatory workers, no middle judicatory offices, no job for me in the not-so-distant future.  That doesn’t much worry me.  But I do hope I always get to be a part of the  incubation and connection-making and disciple-making forever.  I love what I get to do for work.

Image is The Chicago Bean – aka “Cloud Gate” designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor.