Today was a resumption of the “Committee of the Whole.” This takes us out of High Council mode, allowing for discussion on a whole range of matters that particularly concern us, without being bound by HC protocol. It was pretty freewheeling and, again, revealing - another spoke in the nominations discernment wheel.
In the interest of brevity, I’ve chosen to record only my contribution to the discussion process. It is condensed for the purposes of this post, but a sampling of the wide-ranging discussion that followed.
I push the button on the microphone and wait patiently for my turn in the rotation. In time, the President acknowledges #24 and I speak:
You have not heard from #24 much up until now, as I have preferred to let those with more analytical minds than mine sally forth. We now come to the issues that stir my passion, get the adrenaline flowing and make me want to get up in the morning.
I believe that there are significant issues of “deep change” in our movement that need be explored, aired and vented by this body, i.e., our structure, the appointment process, age of leadership, etc.; this, not only for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of those who will be nominated.
For example, I believe that the structure of The Salvation Army must undergo deep change and be brought into alignment with the 21st century. We must move from a monolithic, hierarchical, 19th Century type institutional structure to one that is more relational, flattened, fluid and user friendly.
I believe that there must be more consultation in the appointment process, and those appointments made in congruence with core values and performance, and not according to protocol (going through the chairs) or for expedience sake. This requires the moving of younger officers into leadership positions more quickly.
The lack of “youth” representation on this body (and in many others) is troubling for me, personally. 49 of the 75 members are approaching their 60th year or older, including me. 21 are between 56 and 60. That totals 70 of the 75 members. There is no one under the age of 50. What can be done to bring younger officers into top leadership positions more quickly? (16 TC’s or Commissioners (26 persons) will retire by the end of the year 2000). What an indictment, but, conversely, what an opportunity! Think about it. We in this room do not represent the future!
We need to elect a General who is tuned into the next generation. DC’s and TC’s must also be tuned in, appointed younger and left in their appointments long enough to both cast and implement their vision. I was 61 when appointed to this territorial command (my first), and cannot effect deep change in a four-year period. Impossible! The General cannot effect “deep change” in a five-year period. Perhaps he or she should be elected at a younger age and given the option of being elected to a second four or five-year term. I don’t know!
But what I do know is that this kind of deep change is going to take holy boldness, including a whole lot of bravado on someone’s part. And I’m not naïve enough to believe it’s going to happen in my lifetime, but I’m also not going to let this unique opportunity pass without saying it out loud here and now. I know how some feel about a tic, cross and full stop, now let’s tackle some of the deeper, mission-based issues confronting our movement.
As an aside, this is the first time I have read these notes since that 1999 HC. And I really can’t believe I said what I said. What was I thinking? Then again, I remember John Gowans being the first to respond, affirming what I said in his own inimitable way. In fact, afterward, we had a little chitchat, he suggesting I continue to speak up on these matters – kindred spirits, huh? After all we are who we are, not who we pretend to be.
That field of potential nominees just narrowed considerably! Any hints on my nominee to be?
JN
For a peak into the HC chambers click on the following link:
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing your reflections. I am looking forward to the book when it comes out. I agree with many of the things that you stated in this reflection and wonder if you think that anything has changed in these areas since your time there? Have any of your words been heeded? Thanks for your response.
Just thought I'd send a "thank you" for sharing your experience. It is nice to get an "insiders" perspective on the kinds of things that go on in the HC. Your comments continue to be thought-provoking and inspirational as well.
Again, thanks.
Post a Comment