Thanks, David, Larry and Daniel… I understand how this works, and it does make sense.  It’s just interesting to me to read the comments of pastors who are so quick to criticize and attack other pastors who they feel are criticizing and attacking others. It’s like a giant lovefest. 

And we spread a lot of love around here at the MMI blog at times. 

Todd

Todd,

My background is that I’m taking some seminary classes, and these are relevant issues.  I’ve had a class in “Leadership,” and currently finishing one up in “Church Ministry and Management.” In class, there are lots of discussions on this topic.  I’ve also worked in the computer engineering industry for 21 years.

One of the learning points is that Jesus is our role-model; leadership is opposite for the church than it is for the world.  The world loves to “Lord it over others.” Jesus said the opposite: the greatest is the servant of all.  The idea is of Senior Pastor being a nurturer, not a Lord. (See Mark 10:42-43)

It bothers me that someone is writing about leadership principles, but is advancing faulty teaching.

Fault 1: Identifying straightening chairs as a “excellence” issue, when it’s not (simply a pet peeve, at best).

Fault 2: Forcing it because “He’s the boss.”

Who will tell him that it’s simply a pet peeve, at best, or a obsessive-compulsive disorder, at worst?  (See this for the disorder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive ).  His employees can’t; they’d get fired for insubordination.  He’s made it clear this is a non-negotiable rule for business.

Outsiders (from his organization) are the only ones who can tell him.  He’s writing a public blog, so he should expect public responses.  Does he want only positive responses (same with you?)?  That’s up to you, as the blog owner.  Most blog owners have rules, and delete or ban those posters they don’t appreciate.  Most are conservative (no bad posting) but some are totally open-- it’s up to the blog owner.

I’m sorry that I hurt Bruce’s feelings.  When a Dr. tells a patient that they have cancer, it also hurts… but then the patient has a chance to do something about it.  I believe Bruce needs to fix his broken (sick) leadership ideas about straight chairs and apparent use of “authority” to enforce things. 

I may be wrong, but it’s my opinion that he has a disorder that he needs to deal with… just my opinion.  If that makes me “judgmental,” does it also make others “judgmental” who disagree with me?

I think it’s important to say something when one see an error, being put forth as a good principle.  Otherwise, we would be doing a disservice by propagating bad teaching.

...Bernie
http://www.FreeGoodNews.com

Bernie,

Taking care of a church building and keeping things organized from day to day requires the people who use the rooms to practice the art of straightening chairs.  We have so many groups using our small church building that it is indeed an excellence issue.  Bernie, I am the pastor, I am the one whom the congregation hold accountable if things are a mess here.  So I also have a personal “disorder” that I too require rooms to be cleaned and straightened when people are done using them.  I even and more anal.... I have pictures posted above the light switch that shows what order the room is to be set back up in. 

Church buildings full of clutter and disorganized are visual turn offs to first time visitors. 

So straightening chairs is a matter of excellence and in fact straightening chairs is a biblical issue!  its called good stewardship of what God has entrusted to your care. 

Sorry if that offends… but to be effective in ministry and work for Jesus with excellence the chairs must be straightened!  Its a non negotiable.

ADB