And The Winner Is…

I must say I didn’t expect the response I received from the post on leadership. Over 150 comments! I really appreciated all the comments.

I want to emphasize that I really don’t care about titles at all. They are just labels. But we all must admit that labels and titles must necessarily point to a reality. The word isn’t the thing, but they certainly can point to the thing. What I am searching for is a way to do community that isn’t burdensome to people, but in fact is an expression of freedom and love. Although I think our community is on to something, I think we still have a ways to go. If there is any slight sniff of coercion, control, manipulation, expectation, judgement or condemnation in a community, then something is terribly wrong. I am highly suspicious of vision-casting, goal-setting or being purpose-driven. You may think I am reactionary, but I don’t think I am. I agree with Bonhoeffer who said that “God hates visionary dreaming”! Why? Because it hates and destroys the community that already exits as it is. “When the morning mists of dreams vanish, then dawns the bright day of… fellowship” (Bonhoeffer).

Anyway, more later. For now, I want to announce that Jacquelyn from Texas won the draw. Her name was pulled out of the hat. Congratulations Jacquelyn! She gets the painting pictured here. I want to remind everyone that the contest was simply a name draw, and had nothing to do with the length, quality, or veracity of the comments. Stay tuned for another contest soon.