This lesson attempts the impossible. It will seek to acknowledge SOME of the challenges that congregational leaders and congregations face in seeking to be Christian individuals and a Christian community. (1) These challenges are presented as some (not all) of the challenges faced. (2) These challenges are American-society focused. (3) There is no significance to the order of presentation. (4) There surely will be differences in various subsections of the American culture. (5) A whole series could be devoted to many of these challenges.

The objective is simple: (a) to increase church leaders' awareness that the congregation's members face difficult demands in our society, and (b) to increase congregational awareness that appointed church leaders face a demanding (and sometimes unreasonable) task. The more a congregation and its leaders insightfully appreciate each other, the more effective for God a congregation becomes.

Eight challenges to a congregation's leaders:

1. The challenges of seeking to lead a multi-generational group. Ask people 65 and up, people 30 to 50, and teens/college students to define "faithful" and enumerate the "sins that destroy salvation," and honest answers reveal radically different concepts. (The conflicting views exceed those three groups). Yet, one leadership seeks to address different, sometimes conflicting, concerns.

2. The challenges of consumer mentality. A consumer outlook and society train people (a) to think of themselves (and their immediate family) first and (b) to consider first their understanding of what is best for "me" or "us." When a congregation looks at "me and my family" as the primary consideration, the group becomes impossible to lead.

3. The ignorance of scripture and its focus. Too often, the criteria used for "what needs to be done" relies on standards other than God's values expressed in Jesus Christ. Scripture is frequently appealed to but given the meaning and emphasis of the person or group using it.

4. Diverse expectations of the leaders. Ask five members who always attend what the elders should do, and likely five different expectations will be voiced initially. Leadership often finds what is voiced depends on who is speaking. No matter what elders do, to some of the members it is "the wrong thing" because it did not fulfill expectations.

5. The realities of economic stress. A huge pot of money and limitless economic possibilities are not available to a congregation. What can be spent or dedicated to a role or need is determined by the congregation's giving. Anxieties do not alter bottom-line realities. Leaders do not "magically" produce funding. As the economy restricts individual members' choices, giving also restricts the choices of congregational leaders.

6. The realities of living in a critical society. We exist in a society that is critical of authority figures. "Bosses," "owners," and "political incumbents" are unpopular. Freedom of speech means it is proper to criticize anyone. People are more prone to criticize than to encourage. Commonly, faults and mistakes seem more important than blessings or benefits. "Leaders" do not have the option of "perfection."

7. Congregational leaders never know who is "in" the congregation. Few things generate as much controversy as quickly as does a declaration of who is and is not a member. If it is a matter of commitment, "I only attend here sometimes." If it is a matter of decision, the same person says, "I am a member here--I am frequently here."

8. Leaders and "intuitive knowledge." Chosen leaders are supposed to know everything all the time without having been informed by anyone.

Eight challenges to people who are part of the congregation:

1. The desire for stability in an unstable world. A part of the "memory fuel" that provides incentive for commitment to a congregation is the recall of congregational stability. (That is a significant reason for a congregational disagreement affecting members who were not directly involved in the situation of disagreement.)

2. The need to apply (wisely) Christian values in "my" real-world situations. The application of godly values in ungodly situations is not hypothetical. How is one to be true to Christian values when he/she is surrounded by people that do not respect Christ's values?

3. The desire for stable relationships. There are unparalleled stresses on marriages, parenting skills, and appropriate interaction with friends. What values stabilize and sustain relationships?

4. An impersonal existence in our society. People move more than ever and change careers more than ever. There is a almost a 50-50 chance that divorce will occur in first marriages. Many exist with no family connections. Our society stresses that personal appearance should be sought above personal substance.

5. The lure of the physical. The myth: the key to the good life is found in pursuing the physical proficiently. The key to the good life is found in what you have, not what you are.

6. The stress of economics. Each year it is getting more difficulty to maintain "my" lifestyle.

7. It is impossible to know everyone in the congregation. "I" am overwhelmed at the prospect of forming and sustaining so many friendships and relationships.

8. The invisible person. "I" prefer to get lost in a congregation. "I" want to come but not to be noticed. "I" am not seeking commitment, but an opportunity to be religious. If you focus attention on "me," "I" will disappear. The way "I" cope with life and all its messes is by being anonymous as much as possible.

There is a group in any congregation of size who do not wish to be known. They, for personal reasons, wish to come on time or late and leave quickly. Often, such people fear being known. These people do not appreciate the spotlight of attention.

Obviously, more could be added to each list. This is a plea for both congregational leaders and all disciples to understand each other by deepening insights and by working together with understanding and respect.

For Thought and Discussion

1. What does this lesson attempt? Why use this word?

2. What 5 things need to be understood as the listed challenges are approached?

3. What is the objective?

4. What happens when a congregation and its leaders insightfully appreciate each other?

5. List the 8 given challenges to a congregation's leaders.

6. Explain those challenges.

7. Suggest additional challenges.

8. List the 8 given challenges to people in the congregation.

9. Explain those challenges.

10. Suggest additional challenges.

Link to Teacher's Guide Lesson 12

Copyright © 2008
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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