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Recently, I have been reading several books on medieval monasticism and the building of cathedrals. The architecture of many of these cathedrals is both masterful in respect to the engineering of their day and beautiful as massive icons built for the glory of God (at least, most of the time). One aspect of such buildings is the sheer size, both looking on from the outside and gazing upwards from within. The intentionality of such scale powerfully serves to create an atmosphere of the grandiosity of God.
I remember the first time I was in a cathedral while traveling through Spain as a teenager, struck silent by the immensity of the structure. As we exited the church, I noticed that they were doing some repair work on the flying buttresses that surrounded the soaring walls. Even then I knew how critical such stabilizers were to keeping the walls from toppling under the forces of nature, time and gravity. Without this additional support, the height and survivability of the cathedral would be compromised. These buttresses had been carved to look as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the building, but their purposes was to make the larger whole of the building possible.
Today, as I was consider the role of leadership in our community- both Little Flowers & Chiara House- the image of the buttress came to mind. I realized that leadership is essential, but ultimately it must serve the community of Christ in the same way a buttress supports a cathedral. The buttress/leadership is not the end in itself, but is designed to lend support, stability and even boundaries for the cathedral/community. This kind of leadership is essential to allowing people to truly become the united community that is the Church. Yes, they have specific and essential roles, but no more important than the whole.
For me this is an important reminder as I seek to extend leadership to my community- not as hierarchical power based on position. Rather, my leadership must be architectural- that is, it must serve to support from beside or beneath, not rule from above.
Much to consider.
Tags: Leadership, Missional
“These buttresses had been carved to look as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the building, but their purposes was to make the larger whole of the building possible.”
Interesting thoughts — what struck me about your description of the cathedral, and further, the buttresses, is that those buttresses, while having a designated role, were not the focus of attention of those buildings. In my small experience in this world, I have noticed a great deal of attention (spotlight, praise, expectation) given to and asked from church leaders, both by the leaders themselves and the congregation. You have some good thoughts here. Keep writing!
Hey Natasha,
Yes, that is exactly the contrast I hoped to make. Thanks for making it clearer in your comment.
Peace,
Jamie
great description Jamie ~
and thanks Natasha for your thoughtful addition ~
i’d have to agree i’m of like mind ..
Thanks Infuse.
nice words, Jamie.
Thanks Kelly.
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