Revitalization is not for Sissies - part three: R E S P E C T!
Written: 9/1/2009
Conflict occurs in local congregations for many reasons. Sometimes unwise decisions are made; other times there is dysfunction in leadership; many times there are power struggles. But I remember reading a long time ago in Carl George's book on Breaking Growth Barriers, that often we perceive one motive when we might not understand the dynamic of attachment to the church and/or pastor. The author said there are folks who have been a part of your church long before the current pastor came and will be there long after the pastor leaves - the older, long-timers. These older, long-timers, just want to know that the pastor loves the church and will not hurt their beloved church. So, maybe as a major decision is made, the pastor might want to sit down with the older, long-timers, and share how the vision will bless and honor the church - letting them know he/she hears their heart. If you are an older, long-timer, support the pastor and look to see where God might be calling your church to a new time in history. You be the ones to bring wisdom to a situation.
Then there are the folks who have come under the current pastor's ministry who are younger than that pastor - the younger, newcomers! They believe in the pastor's vision and want things to happen and they want to help! Sometimes the older, long-timers see these young ones as threatening to the safety of the church. But what energy and hope this group can bring to a congregation!
There are those who have come under the current pastor's ministry who are older than the pastor - the older newcomers. Pastor, they want to know if you have done your homework. If you have a new idea, they will follow your vision if they believe you have thought it through, considered the possible outcomes, and have made a plan to implement. These folks might be ones to bridge the pastor and the older long-timers, because they have lived the same life cycle!
Then there are those who are younger than the pastor, but have been there longer than the current pastor - the younger, long-timers. Members of this group will sometimes side with long-timers because they might be related and for sure are in the know of the past. Sometimes they will side with the younger newcomers because they are in the same generation. This group can be key to bridging the gap, or can be the ones to pit one group against the other. If you are a younger, long-timer, God just might have you right where you can be the one to open doors for your congregation and the future.
Each has its own perspective of ministry at your church. Each has a unique understanding of the pastor; each has a level of excitement about the vision of the current pastor for the future of the church. Maybe we could reduce the level of conflict if we just respected each other's point of view. Pastor, as you dream dreams and see visions, you might want to consider the heart and needs of each group. Is there a group you seem to cater to.... or ignore? When you believe you have God's vision in your heart and mind, consider how each group can best hear your message. Respect the journey of each of your members. Together we all are the church. God wants to use everyone one of us to do great things. Let's find ways to bridge the gap because God wants to bless the whole lot of us! As Aretha sang "R E S P E C T!"