Over the last year and in several recent Pastors' networking meetings, the word I've heard repeated more than any other has been the word "organic." Ironically it is most often tied into some thought of working from a coffee shop, no accountability, and the lack of a structured environment. It is glaringly apparent that many have built their theories on the following excerpt from a detailed work by Burns and Stalker. Here's all some church leaders read, "An organic organization is one that is very flexible and is able to adapt well to changes. Its structure is identified as having little job specialization, few layers of management, decentralized decision-making, and not much direct supervision." A misconstrued interpretation of this definition without an understanding of the entire context works well for those who don't like structure and accountability.
The terms "organic" and Reformed go hand-in-hand for many of today's young pastors. This leadership trend is turning churches inward and intellectual, rather than outward and evangelistic. In these churches, the attendance is often declining, baptisteries are empty, and the concept of church membership is removed. It appears that the Great Commission has been replaced by the worship of academia. Remember that Jesus gave the Great Commission and sent out simple-minded fishermen to evangelize the world; while on the other hand, the religious intellectuals (Pharisees) presented the greatest opposition to this effort.
While the Church is a living organism, it is also a business. We, the Church, are in the saving, healing and life-transformation business. We must have a structure, strategy, accountability, and a means to measure our success. If no one is being saved, baptized and added to the Church; then we are certainly not following the example of the Early Church (Acts 2) that so many today claim to model.
Young pastors might like the idea of being "organic;" but the growing and great churches of our nation all have detailed plans, well-defined strategies, and high accountability. Realizing that real disciples make disciples, it stands to reason that church leaders should be setting the example by leading people to Christ, seeing them baptized and taking them through the process of discipleship. Too many organic church leaders feel they are exempt from the Great Commission and their only responsibilities are to study and teach. This explains "why" they dislike goals, reports, and accountability... because requiring those things would expose their lack of productivity to the church body that they serve.
It all boils down to the fact that too many pastors want the title of "Pastor," but they don't want the responsibilities of the Office. They will answer the questions of an Ordination Council, but they don't want any accountability after that. They want to preach, but they don't want to build a church. They want the full-time pay check, but they don't want to work a full-time schedule. It is time for some older, seasoned pastors to pour into the lives of these young pastors and help them see the awesome responsibility of their calling. It's time to teach, train and raise the level of accountability. It's time for Church leaders to lead God's army against the darkness. The time is now and the souls of men are hanging in the balance! Let's get our mechanics in order and sharpen our irons, so we can cut the organic myths that are stifling real ministry!
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