Freed From Slavery To The Fear Of Death
Published Oct 22, 2008 - James Nelson Gingerich |
Description:
I’m not opposed to being practical and fiscally responsible. I make budgets and watch bottom lines carefully; I drive a hard bargain when negotiating agreements with laboratories and Medicaid contractors. But whenever I hear community or church leaders advocating a certain course of action because what is at stake is nothing less than the organization’s survival—then I see red flags waving. Whenever I hear such appeals, I ask myself, “What is being advocated here, that would not otherwise seem justifiable? What are we being urged to do that is not consonant with this body’s mission and identity?”
Tonight I want to offer you a brief survey of the history of the health care center. But what I will tell is not a history of its program development, or its staff development, or how it has become financially sustainable. Rather I want to offer you a glimpse into the development of its vision, a work still evolving—in fits and starts, through failure and anxiety, as well as in renewed energy and excitement and joy. It is a vision for a reconciling and healing community, not principally as a result of programmatic activity but as an expression, an integral part, of who we are becoming. In this vision I hope you will see some relevance for the church, for our congregations and our agencies, and for yourselves as leaders and leaders in training in church and community.
Information Type:
presentation
Terms:
Innovation
Health
Collections:
WAFT Economy of Trust