From the vision of properly prepared worship mentioned in the previous post, it becomes clear that we need a suitable place in which to celebrate the Liturgy. Being able to prepare that venue involves our understanding of sacred space, beauty, and the language of architecture. If all the world has been created by God and exists in Him, then all of created space is in some sense sacred. There is no part…

As I have noted in this series of posts, we are under ever increasing pressure to incorporate elements of modern technology into the life of the Church. One reason for this is that the prevailing business model suggests that even though it may not produce products for sale, in order to succeed the Church does need to diligently prepare the things it does offer, mainly its services, for consumption by potential consumers.…

Production is another aspect of the commercial process that uses procedures, devices, and structures which could negatively affect the Church. Basically, production involves the design, creation, and preparation of the products that will later be presented for sale. Since the Church is not producing or selling any products, technologies designed to sell will not be needed and are not as easily adapted for use in the Church. If Christ is not a…

In light of the fact that North American society is essentially mercenary, that is, it is a context within which each individual can freely engage in and exchange of goods and services in order to turn a profit, the potential for chaos, abuse, and conflict is incalculable. As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter put it, “If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can.…

In this post will address that part of the Church’s finances which involves monies donated. At this point I am not concerned with questions of accounting or the outlay of funds. In the past we have referred to this inward flow of resources as stewardship, tithes, or offerings.[1]Traditionally these gifts were brought to the Church and physically offered during a divine service as an act of worship. Today, however, the direct link…

I believe, then, that the uncritical use of this business tool, Strategic Planning, has damaged the Church and is, in some cases, preventing the Church from fulfilling its mission in the world. This tool, developed in the business world, it is not neutral, and it cannot be transferred directly to the non-business environment of the Church. Yet, we do need to need to articulate, develop, and implement the mission we have been…

With its wide-spread use of Strategic Planning, the Church has adopted a set of practices based on principles that are, at least to some degree, at odds with its own teaching. It seems to me that the dangers implicit in the above-mentioned presuppositions have allowed an uncritical use of Strategic Planning, which pose a number of dangers for the Church. First, and this is the lesser of the three dangers, a tremendous…