Herding Cats

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It seems to be a popular metaphor.  The idea of "herding cats" is an idiom that seems to communicate the difficult task leading people (or groups) who don't tend to follow direction.  This is one of the major reasons why I have never liked cats.  They seem to think they rule the roost.  They're sneaky and difficult to figure.  And they always come up to me and rub against my leg.  Now what's that all about?

I found this cute commercial for some IT company.  I suppose they claim to be able to help you "herd cats" if you just purchase their expertise.



There are all kinds of books with "Herding Cats" in the title.  I recall hearing Jeff Krajeski speak at one of our campus ministry conferences.  He co-authored a book about leading a congregation in the "postmodern world."  He clearly thinks of this as "herding cats" since he titled his book accordingly.

I wonder in what sense ministry is like herding cats.  It seems a sympathetic metaphor, especially in an established congregation.  Right?  Churches that are new tend to have strong, centralized leadership.  Decision-making is theoretically streamlined in a newer church.

But in an established church, people develop areas that they feel responsibility for.  They learn to protect their particular niche and get defensive if other leaders try to alter it or shift responsibility to someone new.  If you get multiple situations like that, church leaders really can feel like they are herding cats.  Trying to get everyone to relinquish their individual agendas -- as important as they may seem -- for a common agenda is crucial.

I don't know.  Sounds strange, but I guess there's something to it.  Let's herd some cats!

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