This introductory letter to the coordinators from Paul DeCelles outlined the topics they would be discussing at an upcoming meeting. He and the head coordinators were introducing proposed changes to the structure and government of the People of Praise such as term limits, a more defined leadership structure and a way of nominating new coordinators. These proposals eventually became our foundational documents: the Spirit and Purpose, Principles of Structure and Government and Policies and Procedures. Note: see “Background Information for 1982-1988 Sources” for more explanation of this document.
June 26, 1984
To the coordinators of the People of Praise:
Peace of Christ be with you.
I hope you have had or will soon take a vacation. Every one of you is overworked, and I’m afraid, if we don’t get some relaxation we may all be seriously ill. I know the urgency of our pastoral concerns makes us want to keep working all the time, but those we can’t help because we are exhausted the Lord will take care of, perhaps even in a better way. Then there is the question of money. Let me know of any financial need you have that will keep you from a vacation. I know we can pull together and support each other. I’m sure we could work it out, if you let me know your need.
At our last general meeting in January, 1984, I was told to fill in the details of my proposal for a reorganization of our government. Here is what I’ve done.
The Head Coordinators have worked this material over already and their changes have been incorporated. This does not mean they all agree with everything here. But they enthusiastically want this forwarded to you so we can take the next step of working on it together. We are confident that our work in the Lord will produce what he wants for the future.
Prepare yourself for a bit of a shock. First of all I give a general introduction to the People of Praise. So far so good. Sometimes it’s even fun to read the first ten pages. Then the real work begins. The next eleven pages are in outline form and require a lot of concentration to understand. Please take the necessary time to study the entire document carefully. Don’t skip over the first part because it is easier to read. It is jam packed anyway. And don’t despair of making the next two parts fit together. Another point about the sections “Structure” and “Government”: We have to learn them sometime. Better we do it before we approve them.
Many new terms crop up in this document. They are nearly all adequately defined someplace. Eventually I may provide you with a glossary to facilitate your reading, but that won’t be before you have read it. Just read on when you’re stuck. The thing that puzzles you may well be explained just a little later (or a lot later!). Some terms are left undefined. They are to be dealt with in a few subsequent pages to be appended. This should not create a real problem for you, and it’s kind of fun to test yourself to see if you can discover them anyway.
As you will quickly see, I am suggesting varying terms of office for various leadership positions. Right now we practically have lifetime appointments to various positions, e.g., Head Coordinators, Overall Coordinator, permanent coordinators. We will probably agree that such life terms are unrealistic for the long run. We will need to have some terms of office eventually, maybe office until certifiable senility is the way to go. And maybe that will be shorter than six years for some of us. But a term must be set. What term do you think best for each office? I have tried to preserve unity and give momentum and continuity enough to really build something, while allowing for rather frequent change in membership of the highest authority in the People of Praise, viz. the Board of Governors (nee, Head Coordinators).
I also have allowed the covenanted branch members to have a determining nomination ballot for nominees for Area Coordinators, their immediate pastors in the community. And Handmaids have an opportunity to influence strongly the election of new Head Coordinators. Both of these innovations allow for more significant input from regular members of the community.
The Principal Branch Coordinators (so called for lack of a better name) and the Program Coordinators are envisioned as being an integral part of the unity of the Overall Coordinator’s activity. Therefore he has a strong effect in their appointments. The Board of Governors must confirm the appointments of the Overall Coordinator so he has plenty of covering over him in the exercise of his office.
We have a problem of ensuring that all our people participate in our common life. This proposal is a step in that direction. But we have a problem in that not everybody knows enough or has the relevant gift from God to govern just anywhere. Therefore, those who have led the community must pass on to those who can receive what it takes to continue to lead in the spirit of our foundation. This proposal attempts to make that probable.
We will discuss this at our meeting in late August. Feel free to talk to each other about it in the mean time. Do not lobby for your position, however, with respect to any particular point of contention, lest we grieve the Holy Spirit who desires to make us of one mind and heart. Opposition is welcome, but organized opposition will not be in the Spirit.
I am glad we have something definite to talk about. Something that admits strong leadership, but provides for balance in the highest authority (the Board of Governors). Something that admits change, but in an orderly and probably timely way. Something that acknowledges more substance to covenant status and recognizes our permanent mutual bond. Something that preserves our traditions and foundations, yet provides for new leadership that works in unity. Something that unites all the Branches under headship in true unity, yet gives a real autonomy to appropriate actions in the Branches. Something that can accept and train new leaders to continue the work and life God has put in our charge in the People of Praise.
I pray you have holy thoughts anticipating our time together in August. I am very eager to see each of you and all of you together.
The men in the Servant Branch probably will not see this until rather late, if at all. Therefore, since they are not coordinators in the People of Praise, I ask you not to discuss this with them yet. Nor should you discuss this with members of your area or household yet. We have a leadership function to work in regard to this matter. When we have discharged our responsibility we must ask how to take the next step with the community members. Rumors, too, have a way of destroying our unity. Therefore, keep this as a matter confidential to all the Coordinators of the People of Praise until we agree how to handle it together.
I sincerely hope we can agree to this or something close to it. I personally think it’s about right. But I could be all wrong.
Your brother in the harvest,
Paul
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