Cooperation vs. Credit
When it comes to sharing ideas, credit, and work, there are several ways it can go.
On one hand, we might think of an author with their name always attached to articles and books with a clear copyright. In this case, protecting the copyright and name of the author is how the author makes a living. Let’s call this the “authorship model” — where someone’s name is attached to certain ideas. Certainly, the ‘authorship model’ has its place.
On the opposite pole, is the idea that it is inappropriate or unwise to put your own thoughts forward. Let’s call this the “reticence model” — where people are reluctant to share their own thoughts. This reticence, too, can have its place. We have all had the experience, I am sure, of learning that sometimes it’s better to say nothing.
In the church, the reticence model might show up as deference to the clergy, or to the council, or to a long-standing ministry committee – and so we say nothing. Or, perhaps we have the authorship model, where people have a strong sense of ownership of certain ideas and ministries and find it hard to see them change.
Still another dynamic is a sense that the rostered leader(s), the paid staff and a few prominent lay leaders are the ones tasked with coming up with ideas. Let’s call that third model the “designated few” model. Certainly that has its place as well: think of medical procedures. A “designated few” is a good idea when it comes to who’s in the operating room.
However, none of the models above — the authorship model, the reticence model, or the “designated few” model — will foster a vibrant community of faith.
One of the key principles of the Lutheran movement is the idea of the priesthood of all believers. In the life of the church, we are not called to defend copyrights or make sure our name is attached. We are not called to keep silent when the Holy Spirit might be nudging us to share our thoughts and we are not called to assume that a few people are the congregation’s designated Christians.
As Christians, we are all ministers. We are all called. We are called to share our ideas and combine our efforts, in our life together for the sake of Jesus, and for the sake of the world that God loves so much. We are called to share our ideas, to listen to the ideas of others, and to see how the Holy Spirit works through the entire community to create something no individual could have thought of alone.
To be sure, working together is harder than working alone, and working together as a whole community is harder than leaving it to a designated few, but Jesus called us all to come together to serve and to contribute our unique perspectives and gifts to this world.
I’d like to share this African proverb with you, which reminds me of the church: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
May God grant that you go far, and may God bless your work together.
Reflection by Pastor Anna Havron
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you seen any of the dynamics above — the authorship model, the reticence model, or the “designated few” model — at your congregation? What are the stories that go with that — what happened? What might change things, going forward?
- Do you find it harder to speak up, or do you find it harder to listen?
- Describe an experience you’ve had — in any area of life — where you experienced a sense of teamwork, in an inspiring way. What was it like to be in that group? How did people talk together? How did people work together? What inspired you about it? Is there anything you learned from that experience, that your congregation could try out?