Democracy vs Discernment in the Church
By Dick Hamm at
DHamm@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.  Like the churches of most every nation, American churches tend to reflect the
culture in which they developed. An example of this is the American churches'
penchant for democracy. We love democracy! It is in our very DNA as
institutions. We believe that certain "truths are self-evident" and that such
truths will inevitably arise through the democratic process and win the day. We
also resist attempts by anyone to make decisions for us without our input.
The Builder and Silent generations (born between 1915-1945) love democracy for
an additional reason: democratic processes enable them to be a functioning,
integral part of the institution by participating in decision making. Because
these two generations experience God through the life of the institution,
participating directly in the decision-making makes them feel closer to God.
Likewise, participating in functional committees and boards makes them feel
closer to God (at least when such experiences aren't so negative that they cause
them to "lose their religion!).
[Click HERE to read more.]
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Travel Free Learning Resource of the Week
Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60: Coaching and Resource Guidebook by Eddie Hammett with Randy Pierce. This resource is based on their best selling book.
This is a 20+ page resource available in a Personal Edition for individuals. A Presentation Edition includes a PowerPoint presentation. A Premium Edition includes coaching by Eddie and Randy. [To learn more about this resource click HERE.]
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Travel Free Learning Upcoming Dialogues
Dialogue with George Bullard on Tuesday, October 13th or 20th at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Will Your Congregation Still Exist Ten Years from Now? Prerequisite: Purchase at least Personal Edition of collection of writings and you will be sent the teleconference number and access code.
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TCP Leadership Series Book of the Week
 The Samaritan Way: Lifestyle Compassion Ministry by David Crocker. This is a follow-up book to David's first book entitled Operation Inasmuch on taking the church into the mission field through a one-day ministry blitz. See and purchase this book at TCP Resources Store. |
TCP Appearance Schedule
Gary Nelson: KBGI Pastors Conference, Pontianak, Indonesia,
October 19-20, 2009.
David Crocker: Leading Operation Inasmuch workshops at
Wee Kirk Conference, Montreat, NC, October 19-21, 2009.
Bob Dale: Keynote speaker, workshop leader on Cultivating
Perennial Churches, West Virginia American Baptist Convention, Lewisburg, WV, October 22-24, 2009.
George Bullard: Spiritual Strategic Journey for Cornerstone Conference, Pentecostal Holiness,
Greensboro, NC, October 23-24, 2009.
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