Involvement
06 Jul 2010 3 Comments
Can I just get this off my chest? So, anybody who’s active in an interest…a church, for instance, has heard of the 80/20, or 90/10 rule, or whatever that rule is, where 80% of the work is done by 20% of its members. It seems that the church I love so much, isn’t all that different from the rest of the world. Furthermore, why am I surprised by this?
I’ve just come from a worship committee meeting. We don’t have a pastor right now, so we have much work to plan our worship services. Only one of the four elders was in attendance, one of the three pianists was there, and there were several other who are expected to be there that weren’t. I am not obligated to be a member of the committee because of my position at the church, I am a member because I believe I have something important to contribute to the way our services meet the worship needs of the assembly. My biggest concern is when those present do plan for the services, those who did not attend are upset because those who did attend seem to be running the place!
I’m just saying that it’s frustrating when the commitment levels of the others don’t seem to be even in the same neighborhood as mine.
In my prayers tonight I will be asking for forgiveness, instead of walking in love. I do not walk in their shoes. My reasons shouldn’t be of their concern. Peace be with you.
Jul 06, 2010 @ 21:01:33
Frustration is part of the human condition. As much as Perfect Love and Perfect Trust is an important component for rituals in my faith, sometimes, I just don’t have it in me. I think the Lord and Lady understand when it’s difficult for me to be in circle with someone, just as I think that your God understands when you have troubles. Don’t beat yourself up too badly about it.
Jul 29, 2010 @ 20:21:49
“I am not obligated to be a member of the committee because of my position at the church, I am a member because I believe I have something important to contribute to the way our services meet the worship needs of the assembly.”
Perhaps you’ve stumbled on the issue right there. Maybe some of the others need to be reminded about the importance of their contributions. Maybe it will open a conversation up and you will at the very least gain insight into the situation and everyone’s behavior in it.
p.s. I found your blog through Jeremy on Livejournal.
Jul 30, 2010 @ 05:02:21
@Jeremy – Thank you for your comfort and understanding. It heals my judgmental heart. @Mason – You’re absolutely right about the importance of the contributions of others. I continue my monthly email reminders. I try to keep them light and “no pressure”. Perhaps, as we move closer to a busier time of the year, I should stress that their important gifts should be utilized.
PS – Feel free to stop by from time to time. Your input is appreciated.