[From Bishop Paul's October column for secular newspapers]
I do not believe that religious organizations are “voluntary” at all in the
sense that other charitable organizations are. The only reason to bother with
religion, any religion, is personal commitment to its identity, beliefs, and
mission. If we believe something is right, and that we are called to it,
integrity requires that we serve it. If not, why bother?
When people tell me they are wondering whether they should
stay in a particular congregation or even denomination, I cannot find it in my
heart to try to manipulate their decision for the sake of numbers. I usually
want to say something like, “I value your presence and your participation very
much. If you leave, we will miss you very much, but I understand you need to be
where God wants to use your gifts and talents.” I seldom had the sense that
such a comment could be digested. I’d end up offering to talk it over. It
became clear in most of those conversations that reporting a thought about
leaving was the person’s way of saying that they felt undervalued – not
underutilized.
So we have a paradox. We need in our organizational life
to hold up the value of selfless giving (altruism), while recognizing that few
people can easily go on without recognition of their efforts at least some of
the time. It is one thing for them not to seek praise. It is quite another for
us to withhold it.
Download Bishop Paul’s October column for secular newspapers.
Download 0710.Paradox of praise.pdf
