Ridgell's Originals

 Many churches are wrestling with new ways to interpret Scripture.  Ways that will lead to significant changes in leadership.  Or worship.  Or what the church sees as core teaching.  Here are a few realities that will happen when leadership decides to go in a new direction.

Everyone will not agree.  Some of your flock, probably a significant portion of your flock, will not agree with the new direction.  They will maintain a more traditional view of Scripture.  It will not matter how clearly you explain the new insight.  They will not see it.  You are convinced that God desires your church to move in new directions.  They will remain convinced God does not want his people moving in that way.  This will happen.  They love the Lord just as you do.

Some will not be able to continue being part of your community of faith.  It will violate their conscience and their view of Scripture.  Just as it would violate your conscience to not change things.  They are going to leave.  It will happen.

You are still family.  They are part of the flock you are tasked with getting to heaven.

So here are a couple of suggestions.  But I want to be clear.  I am not arguing right or wrong.  This is not a discussion of whether this should -- or should not -- happen.  But I hope it is food for thought when this happens.

Be firm in your convictions.  If you believe God is calling you to move in a direction that will cause some to leave your community, then you have to be convinced you are right.  Be clear that the new direction is where the church is headed.

Study the issue with everyone.  Not just the leaders.  Explain the why of decisions being made.  Be able to articulate the opposing view.  You can explain why you do not agree with it, but it does let people know all views have been discussed.  

Acknowledge that some will not be able to go along with the new emphasis.  Recognize that it is not a matter of who loves God the most.  Or who is smart enough to see what God really means in Scripture. 

Acknowledge that this will result in some leaving.  That they will always be welcome back but that all must do as they believe God would have them do.  Those staying and those leaving.  Emphasize that the leadership still considers all as part of the family of God.

Then offer to sponsor a church plant for those who must leave, including some financial support for a reasonable period.

No more church splits.  

Church plants.

Or keep arguing about who is right, who loves the Lord more, and who is really following the Spirit.  

Keep losing lots of members.  And keep seeing the spiritual damage done.

Will this work?

I doubt it.  Only God knows.  But I sure would like to see some church try this instead.   

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM