beaconchurches

Does anyone here have experience with "fewer structures?" At the last association meeting, we were asked to vote on recommending to the area that we "fold the association into the area" with the idea that the structure was redundant and unnecessary. It's suppose to not change anything that's going on except that there will be one less heirarchy of officers and one less treasury.

The other association in the area is alledged to have voted unanimously to fold into the area. Our association had one very vocal opponent.

My concern is that while it may be true that we can continue to have an association picnic, how in the world would it be organized? Or paid for? It feels to me as though it would go the way of the family reunion that seems to meet less and less as time goes on. My family hasn't had one for probably 15 years and many other families don't seem to have them any more either.

It was also noted that since there is a problem finding people to take the offices, folding the structure would make it easier to find officers. I tend to disagree due to the fact that I would take an office at an associational level but not at an area or regional level.

It was also said that ABW and pastor's meetings had nothing to fear from this move but I have heard others say that over time it will--though they are saying this "off the record."

Anyone? Is this good? Is it bad? Does it really matter at all?

Hi Evangeline,
In the Future of Religious Organizations we predicted that the system would contract to a lower level of energy. That is exactly what is taking place. We also called for a different kind of reorganization in order to save the family. If we really are about the local church we would save the level of organization closest to it and sacrifice the one farthest away. And as you know by now, that is not happening. All of which points to a prognosis of eventual collapse of the organization.
God bless you!
Art

Thanks, Art. I must get that jewel out and read it again. I had forgotten that part.