Evangelical Churches + Non-Profits
Parallel Experiences
Their power and influence is undeniable. Some times they are born from one another or one nested within another. At first glance, their impact is all people can see and speak about. They can move a community forward, push it to its greatness, and revive entire generations.
The love I have for both is complicated. It is layered and after reading this, you might identify it as toxic, abusive, and one sided. Whatever your conclusion, my experience is my own, and despite the hurt, the drama, the bitterness, the wounds, both provided me a space when the world did not, both provided me income when the future was uncertain, gave me experiences, and friendships that I would never regret or would erase.
Yes, both belong in the same tax bracket, but their similarities go beyond that, they go deep in a way that is almost eerie. These are not easily identifiable unless you have worked for both, and this is not a call out to any institution, but rather a recount of observations that I still cannot reconcile. I am unsure if the sour taste in my mouth from one altered the experience of another or if I would have have chosen one over the other later in life. If the title did not set it enough for me, I am of course referring to non-profit organizations, and American Evangelical Churches.
But, do not underestimate me, there is plenty I do know. Here is my observation based on over a decade of experience working for, with, and alongside both.
What Makes Them Efficient:
Urgency Mindset - The essence of the now is preached by CEOs and Pastors alike. Every minute that the work is not being carried to the people is another minute wasted, another person that was not saved, helped, provided to, given a chance. Everything is birth from urgency, every email, capital campaign, donation drive, and staff meeting is about what will be done to carry the work forward.
Mission Driven & Vision Led - With out the why, the urgency has not fire, no power. CEOs and Pastors speak of the mission and vision to ground their staff and/or congregation to why everything decision being made is important. It is harder to question or contradict leadership when the action is mission aligned.
Passionate people/staff - Without the heart the body cannot stay alive. People are the living organism that makes the mission real. They carry the weight, the love for their work and their why with them. Their passion for the work outweighs their pay, their capacity, their time, and often their own families.
Their numbers - With out the numbers of people coming in, and reports of those helped, their impact can be questioned. The numbers tell stories and are used as proof of impact. It draws predictions of what can be done or built. Without counting, no one can really plan for their futures.
Reasons People/Staff Leave:
Exclusionary Culture - Both institutions function with a clear hierarchy. They have a leadership that sets the tone. Churches and non profits can create cliques based on departments or ministries. One more important and visible than the other. The vanity of this reality can desolation people into questioning the true spirit of an organization or church.
Unfair Expectations - This can vary from denominations to organizations. Some allow jeans, and make up, while others demand a suit and tie (bet you can’t tell which I am referring to, church or non profit). Tattoo? depends on who you ask. Their expectations on commitment can go from living and breathing the work to just seeing it as work or a place of worship. There is a constant blurred line that they are your family. They can be, but not by default.
Unattainable Goals - Churches and Non-profits can sometimes move the goal post further and further away from what is possible. Whether it is another remodeling, another building, another branch, or another capital campaign, it can be tiring to never feel accomplished. When the goal stops being about the mission, followers, staff, or supporters start to question the intent of those decisions.
What Makes Them Different:
Their Gospel - With the exception of church founded organizations, non profits and churches do not follow the same book. Some just have a handbook by HR to refer to. Their truth varies on the type of organization, while multiple churches does not.
Their Investors - Non profit organizations often rely on the donations and funding of outside entities, like-minded supports, and grants. Churches on the other hand, they rely on funding from within. Their rely on the tithes of their congregation to stay alive and while some outside donations or grants might come in, the people give selflessly.
Their End Game - Non profits focus on ending one society ailment, whether it is poverty, hunger or violence, their focus is one. While some churches support an ailment with a soup kitchen, or pantries, these are only a strategy for the ultimate goal is human redemption.
Despite it all, I still believe good can come from both, and have fallen in love with the people that carry their missions. I continue to support their work at a distance, by donations, volunteering, and collaborating. Because, there is no harm in being optimistic, hopeful, and enduring.
Comment other similarities or differences you may find.
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