Comments on: Navy and denominations… there are some similarities! http://paulpetersonlive.com/2007/08/28/navy-and-denominations-there-are-some-similarities/ Evolving out loud: thoughts on parenting, spirituality, leadership, & a few other things too Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:51:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Chris S. http://paulpetersonlive.com/2007/08/28/navy-and-denominations-there-are-some-similarities/#comment-3301 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:46:40 +0000 http://paulpeterson.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/navy-and-denominations-there-are-some-similarities/#comment-3301 This goes right along with what I am reading in The Starfish and The Spider… I think it comes down to the basic issue of trust. I think that there could be a great strength denominations and that there is great value in the processes that go along with the structure BUT the leadership of these structures need to trust the “people on the ground” enough to let them work.

]]> By: icrucified http://paulpetersonlive.com/2007/08/28/navy-and-denominations-there-are-some-similarities/#comment-3300 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:05:06 +0000 http://paulpeterson.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/navy-and-denominations-there-are-some-similarities/#comment-3300 I read Rogue Warrior a number of years ago along with a number of his fiction works…he also did a book on business. An intense dude to say the least.

I think your observations are on target, but you may have missed or just failed to point out a couple of other similarities. (1) Large organizations are similar to large ships. Once they start and develop momentum in a direction, sudden course changes are not always accomplished quickly (certainly not safely) – aka “turning on a dime.” I served on an aircraft carrier in the USN…I understand all too well about the organization itself and the speed by which an aircraft carrier can turn around. (2) Often, the “field general” is only operating with the most visible of information. True, it might be the most relevant information needed to meet the demands of the immediate situation. However, there may be complex details intertwined with the overall mission success, that needs factored in before execution of a decision. (3) All authorities and governing bodies have been put into place by God…even those we fall into disagreement with. There may well be selfish, self-serving individuals protecting their power bases in organizations…to the detriment of the “cause.” In our case, we are still called to submit to them…perhaps not imitate, but we are called to submit to them and trust our GOD who put them into the position they hold (Matt 23:2-3) (4) While I’m glad there are Marcinko’s to do the work that marcinkos’ are sometimes called to do…I am thankful that the military (or any other organization) is not wholly comprised of them; anarchy would ensue.

Peace!
jb

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