Dreams and Visions

Some friends of ours were over the other night. Whenever we are with them, the conversation always turns to church, ministry, and the kingdom.

A little background, this couple successfully pastored a church plant. As God began changing the vision in their heart, they set down the leadership of this church. It has been a difficult journey for them, because what they see as obedience to God's direction, others have perceived as failure.

Anyway, we think they are terrific and admire their willingness to venture out beyond their own security into whatever God has for them next. They are both incredibly gifted.

At the time my husband and I left our former church, we knew that for us, there would be a season of not leading. I can't even begin to tell you how necessary this has been for us.

So back to the conversation, usually we end up discussing what should church be and what leadership should look like. That leads to imagining what church could look like without a hierarchial leadership structure. What are the roles of the leaders then? To initiate, to take responsibility, to serve?

One of the things they struggled with in pastoring was the tendency of followers to demand the clergy/laity roles. I think this is something that would have to be addressed from the beginning and continually if you weren't going to have a central leader figure.

I can see it, but I don't know if it's something we'll ever get to be a part of. It would be so fun to just gather with them and others, enjoy worship together and fellowship and allow something to develop. It's not going to happen for now, but I can't help but dream and imagine.