An Important Note To Students And Teachers
One of the major stresses that occur in the typical congregation involves the relationship of a congregation with its appointed leaders. Typically, this stress makes an open declaration that a rift or gap exists at the worst possible moments in the worst possible circumstances.
Typically, this stress involves only a part of the congregation or catches the leadership completely unaware of a rift or gap (or both). [Exceptions surely exist.] Often a group sees itself as the voice of the congregation (or God). At the same time, those in the role of appointed leadership are confident that the congregation supports their decisions and efforts.
From the outside looking in it seems that the congregation is a mess, is an undesirable place to be, and does a horrible job of representing God. When such tensions exist, three things are likely to occur: (1) People who are not members of the congregation before the tension became "open" are not likely to become members of the congregation. (2) Members who find the tension extremely distasteful will probably leave and go elsewhere. (3) Christians in conflict within the congregation become increasingly open as different people in conflict seek to gain control and determine direction.
Commonly, nothing godly is produced by this tension. When a congregation approaches a tension from the perspective of "winners and losers," there are only losers. God is discredited, God's purposes in Jesus are destroyed, and Christians look as if they are mean, insensitive people. The only being who finds joy in the tension is Satan. Why? For two reasons: (1) God's people resort to Satan's tactics in the conviction they are accomplishing God's purposes; (2) Christians discredit themselves. The good the congregation did suddenly is questionable. Instead of casting a light that the community admires, the congregation suddenly becomes a part of the darkness. People who are not Christians talk about the congregation's tensions (and their interpretation of the events) and not the good the congregation does.
Should Christians view tensions (which will surely arise) as opportunities to display the spirit of Jesus Christ? Is an adversarial relationship between a congregation and its appointed leaders inevitable? Does unity mean complete and perfect agreement? What is a disciple? Are elders disciples as well as leaders? How can tensions declare the commitment of ALL in the congregation to Jesus Christ? How can God be glorified in moments of disagreement instead of Satan?
This is a series of lessons that (a) seeks to be open and honest about the challenge, and (b) seeks to challenge Christians to approach and deal with tensions in godly ways.
It is doubtful that the seriousness of this challenge can be exaggerated. If Christians do not find godly ways to deal with tensions between congregations and their leaders, no Christian will volunteer his time or his skills in the role of an appointed leader. If ungodly behavior in congregations is rewarded by giving ungodly behavior control, that congregation will advance the purposes of Satan rather than the purposes of God. Christians must be accountable for their attitudes as well as their acts. May the spirit of Jesus always be seen in God's people!
