Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday Hello
This article is about the response leaders should have when members of their congregation leave their church. The point that stood out to me the most from this article is the idea of not responding right away. If we are to respond right away we will respond with the emotions in the moment. Instead if we can give some time to allow our emotions to process then we will be able to respond appropriately to the situation. The author shares a personal experience he had in ministry with others, because he did not respond right away he was able to gracefully accept the couple's departure which has led to him continuing in a cordial relationship with the couple.
I think another way to view the situation could help in our response which the author briefly touches on is the scarcity versus abundance mentality. If we view the world as being scarce in resources for church and being scarce in the number of Christians than we are going to hold on tightly to the people in our congregations. But if we can view the world through a lens of abundance than we will give our people permission to leave because we will trust and have faith that God has other people out there to raise up in their place. We be able to view the people as belonging to the Lord and not to us. We will be able to trust God that He knows what is best for them and that He will have His hand upon their life.
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Great Post Drew. I really appreciate your quote about the correct perspective and view that is contrary to the NIMBY view (Not in My Backyard). I think that this is a vital aspect to leadership in the church. So often Pastor’s and staff members get very protective when it comes to congregation members, especially frequent tithing members. The big fish of the congregation are protected at all costs. Churches become fortresses resenting any and every new church that comes into the area. These church services become more seeker friendly and “attractional” as the main goal is to keep members instead of reaching the community. This is the exact issue that has plagued inclusive and inward minded churches for centuries. I believe that we are called to a higher standard. We need to view our role in the kingdom as just one of the many churches and groups that God has raised up to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth. There are plenty of missional opportunities and people to go around. This is the heart of the abundance mentality. There is not a finite number of Christians in the world. If leadership starts going into protection mode rather than incarnational mode we end up slowly dying and missing out on the wider purpose of the Church in the world.
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