Tied-up in Bureaucracy

th grade! It’s a classic case of a good and valid intention (preventing illegal recruiting of athletes) being turned into a bureaucratic mess. Jim Collins says, “Most companies build their bureaucratic rules to manage the small percentage of wrong people on the bus” (Good to Great). We see examples of this in many businesses, government, and throughout society. But think about this: do we also see many examples of this in our churches. What does it feel like for a newcomer who wants to be a member? For an enthusiastic member who wants to volunteer? For a high-capacity leader that wants to launch a new ministry? I am a rule-oriented person. I think there is value in structure and processes and guidelines. I just want to make sure that the rules are serving and supporting the ministry, not crippling it or becoming an undue burden for those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work. What about your organization? Do the rules facilitate the ministry or frustrate the volunteers?]]>