Control and Quality

What is it about defined structures that people think that assures quality? That somehow control assures quality? Many churches now have their services scripted down to the second, a firm hand in the pastor role, all sorts of policies and procedures. I've heard from several pastors and leaders that such techniques bring "excellence" to what they do.

How does more control, however, bring more quality? Isn't quality in part fed by creativity? As Neil Cole notes "much beauty, creativity, and power are lost as we manage life with human controls and restraints. Human controls are so limiting and confining".

Is it no wonder that so few of the artistic communities, relatively speaking, are in our churches? I think this also has something to do with many men not being a part of our churches, at least in an active way. Men, especially young men, look to make their mark on the world, to how they will 'make a difference'. No wonder the churches of control don't appeal. Rather than harness this energy for the kingdom, they try to geld the stallions.

In the past, when I've organized ministry, rather than coming up with the organization, I've tried to come up with the purpose and vision first. The organization (unless imposed first by "management") comes after the volunteers come. The focus is order, not control. Why can't churches worry themselves about order, not control and structures?