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Main => Gospel Music Lounge => Topic started by: LaylaMonroe on May 04, 2011, 10:44:23 AM

Title: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on May 04, 2011, 10:44:23 AM
I'm about to write a blog on this subject, and I could use your input.

What do you think? Take it any direction you want; I just want to hear from you on the subject.

I already have my intro written; but I want to know what other people think about this.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 10:46:32 AM
Yes, because corporate America can teach some principles on organization, structure, etc.

No, because many principles that dominate corporate America conflict with Christian values. For example, compromise. To make it in corporate America one must fit in with the system. Being a Christian is not about fitting in, but about being peculiar.

Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: lordluvr on May 04, 2011, 10:48:37 AM
No.  I believe too much of that is going on already.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: chevonee on May 04, 2011, 10:51:57 AM
No.  I believe too much of that is going on already.
Could you explain this a little further please?
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: lordluvr on May 04, 2011, 11:03:04 AM
Could you explain this a little further please?
I'll give one example and then get out of the way.  Look at how many churches advertise themselves nowadays, just like corporate America advertises its product lines or its companies.  When I look in the NT, in the book of Acts, in Paul's and Peter's epistles, etc. all I see is Christ being "advertised".
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 11:05:06 AM
I'll give one example and then get out of the way.  Look at how many churches advertise themselves nowadays, just like corporate America advertises its product lines or its companies.  When I look in the NT, in the book of Acts, in Paul's and Peter's epistles, etc. all I see is Christ being "advertised".

+1
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on May 04, 2011, 11:10:25 AM
LL, please don't get out of the way. What you mentioned was one of my first points (but I only have 3 so far, and I'd like a few more to look into).

Thanks, Churchy! Good point, sir.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: phbrown on May 04, 2011, 11:11:38 AM
I'm about to write a blog on this subject, and I could use your input.

What do you think? Take it any direction you want; I just want to hear from you on the subject.

I already have my intro written; but I want to know what other people think about this.

no, and the reason I say that is because corporate=selfish

However I do think corporate america needs to tkae lessons from Jesus though. There is a severe amount of moral decay facing companies today or at least camera phones are making it easier to expose.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: phbrown on May 04, 2011, 11:13:15 AM
no, and the reason I say that is because corporate=selfish

However I do think corporate america needs to tkae lessons from Jesus though. There is a severe amount of moral decay facing companies today or at least camera phones are making it easier to expose.

sorry I meant take not tkae
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 11:19:01 AM
no, and the reason I say that is because corporate=selfish

However I do think corporate america needs to tkae lessons from Jesus though. There is a severe amount of moral decay facing companies today or at least camera phones are making it easier to expose.

Absolutely bro! That's why I pray we have more Christians begin to dominate corporate America, particularly the areas in which norms and philosophies can be changed.

Traditionally, when it comes to church I'm more of a laizze-faire person but I have seen FAR TOO MANY occurrences in church where everybody thinks they are the boss. There has to be some order and structure. I'm not saying a system where it's all about one person but at the same time not one in which everybody runs the show. Churches that have survived and grown are ones in which structure and order is very essential!
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: chevonee on May 04, 2011, 11:21:11 AM
I'll give one example and then get out of the way.  Look at how many churches advertise themselves nowadays, just like corporate America advertises its product lines or its companies.  When I look in the NT, in the book of Acts, in Paul's and Peter's epistles, etc. all I see is Christ being "advertised".
Don't get out of the way....I just wanted to hear your perspective on that subject. I understand where you're coming from now. Thanks
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: nessalynn77 on May 04, 2011, 11:25:30 AM
As far as efficiency and excellence?  Yes  As far as compassion? NO.  The corporate world is cut-throat.  Their goal is the bottom line and if you are helping that, they love you, but if you are in the way of them making another dollar, they will cut you loose and say, "Don't take it personal".  I agree with LL, that we have too much of that attitude in the church already.  People preach a whole doctrine based on "Me first(and last, and all points in between)"  Aside from that, a corporation can teach us a lot about managing money, investing, projecting, marketing... we just have to remember our mission is totally different and sometimes backward to what the corporate world is doing, and make sure we don't adopt anything that tries to change that.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: chevonee on May 04, 2011, 11:32:00 AM
As far as efficiency and excellence?  Yes  As far as compassion? NO.  The corporate world is cut-throat.  Their goal is the bottom line and if you are helping that, they love you, but if you are in the way of them making another dollar, they will cut you loose and say, "Don't take it personal".  I agree with LL, that we have too much of that attitude in the church already.  People preach a whole doctrine based on "Me first(and last, and all points in between)"  Aside from that, a corporation can teach us a lot about managing money, investing, projecting, marketing... we just have to remember our mission is totally different and sometimes backward to what the corporate world is doing, and make sure we don't adapt anything that tries to change that.
Very well said Nessa!! It is indeed sad that our churches have become consumed with this "ME first" mentality. I have to admit that I felt kind of bad after reading some of these responses because I see this same type of stuff in the organization I'm in and it really bothers me...A LOT. :'(  :-X
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 11:34:15 AM
Absolutely Nessa!!!
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: lordluvr on May 04, 2011, 11:51:08 AM
Nessa (and others) said a lot of what I was thinking.  I'm going to attempt to say it anyway, though I may just end up saying the same thing, just in a different way. 

My second example is that of focus.  Paul, in Ephesians 4: 14-16 stated one of the purposes of the church:

" But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

We see here that there is a profit motive in the body of Christ, just as in Corporate America.  The difference here is that the entire body profits, whereas in Corporate America, the company does.


Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: Arkhams Finest on May 04, 2011, 12:20:05 PM
The question wasn't "Should the church try to be EXACTLY like the Corporate world".

Should we take lessons?  ABSOLUTELY.

I've found most churches to have a lack of communication, accountability regarding performance, and organization.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: sjonathan02 on May 04, 2011, 12:29:15 PM
The question wasn't "Should the church try to be EXACTLY like the Corporate world".

Should we take lessons?  ABSOLUTELY.

I've found most churches to have a lack of communication, accountability regarding performance, and organization.

It's a slippery slope.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: chevonee on May 04, 2011, 12:36:51 PM
It's a slippery slope.
It sure is. :-\ The question is where do we draw the line between what's acceptable and what isn't :-\     
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 12:38:13 PM
It's a slippery slope.

It sure is. :-\ The question is where do we draw the line between what's acceptable and what isn't :-\   

B-I-NGO.....B-I-NGO....B-I-NGO and BINGO was his nameO!
 ;D :D

Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: Arkhams Finest on May 04, 2011, 12:50:37 PM
B-I-NGO.....B-I-NGO....B-I-NGO and BINGO was his nameO!
 ;D :D

Really Bennett?
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 04, 2011, 12:53:22 PM
Really Bennett?

LOL! Yes. Just agreeing with you all.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on May 12, 2011, 06:25:27 PM
Thanks guys for your help. I threw an article together - it's not a study, but more of an opinion piece, as most of mine are. Very light, not too deep or heavy, but I may dig a little deeper in a Part II.

If you care to see it, stop by http://OrderintheChurch.com (http://OrderintheChurch.com). Thanks again!
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: blyempowered on May 12, 2011, 06:39:29 PM
Thanks guys for your help. I threw an article together - it's not a study, but more of an opinion piece, as most of mine are. Very light, not too deep or heavy, but I may dig a little deeper in a Part II.

If you care to see it, stop by [url]http://OrderintheChurch.com[/url] ([url]http://OrderintheChurch.com[/url]). Thanks again!


I saw it! Very good piece!
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: phbrown on June 02, 2011, 02:44:08 PM
   1. Learn to say, "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
   2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
   3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
   4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what's there, but few can see what isn't there.
   5. Viewgraph rule: When something appears on a viewgraph (an overhead transparency), assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
   6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
   7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton's Law.
   8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
   9. Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don't be known as a good starter but a poor finisher.
  10. In completing a project, don't wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
  11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don't assume it will get done!
  12. Don't be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
  13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
  14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
  15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
  16. Don't overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.
      * Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!
      * Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.
  17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.
      * You must make promises. Don't lean on the often-used phrase, "I can't estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors."
  18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to "cc" a person's boss.
  19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
  20. Cultivate the habit of "boiling matters down" to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
  21. Don't get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
  22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
  23. When making decisions, the pros are much easier to deal with than the cons. Your boss wants to see the cons also.
  24. Don't ever lose your sense of humor.
  25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: phbrown on June 02, 2011, 03:07:25 PM
forgot to give credit

Swanson's Rules

or

the unwritten rules of Engineering
Title: Re: Should the Church Take Lessons from Corporate America?
Post by: baggettcindy on June 02, 2011, 03:30:31 PM
The question wasn't "Should the church try to be EXACTLY like the Corporate world".

Should we take lessons?  ABSOLUTELY.

I've found most churches to have a lack of communication, accountability regarding performance, and organization.

I agree..this is what I was thinking.  We don't have to take EVERYTHING...we treat it like we do certain preachers....eat the meat and take out to the bone.  The church can learn from efficiency in organization, finance classes, investing, etc.