Ragamuffin: church and leader 3

The church and its leader (pastor/officer)
or
Keys for a happy “marriage” in the corps
Part Three

N

otice Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We must become peacemakers. We must make every effort to preserve the unity. Confess, repent and forgive. Speak the truth in love. These are vital for a church/corps to move forward and become light and salt. The community of faith (the corps) should often display the essence of grace by confessing, repenting and forgiving. This is holiness. Holiness is not denial of our imperfections but rather, admitting that we need the Perfect One to help us in our imperfections.

Within the relationship of officer/soldiers we must show understanding and courtesy. By this I do not mean peace at any cost. But we can agree to disagree agreeably. The key is our attitude. Our hearts must be clear and not bitter. We must exhibit a spirit of reconciliation in the church.

So within this “marriage” there needs to be sensitivity - we must be gracious to one another.

We can also develop a deep sense of commitment to one another, a sense of community. Within the framework of this “marriage” of officer and soldiers (pastors/congregation) there ought to be a sense of family and community. We really do need each other. The sooner we realize this the better it will be for us, The Salvation Army and for the world we are trying to impact.

Within the context of appointment changes, and change in general, we can remember that the “history” of the church is important. Often baggage is there from years gone by. The whole process of growing within this “marriage” takes time. A one or two year stretch is not going to solve the problems in this type of marriage. Growth takes time. Discipleship takes effort. Growing together takes time.

Yes, it is true that some churches have a destructive cycle. It must be noted, confessed and then a grand effort must be made to move on to a productive future. God often must intervene. Did I say often… God must hopefully always be a part of every “marriage” and intervene as much as He wants. I say: “Come on God - do an intervention!”

I have noticed that churches have a personality. Much like people have different personalities so too with churches. Some congregations are like the otter - happy and playful. Some are like the beaver - work, work, work. Some are like the golden retriever - just cuddly, loving, peaceful, don’t want any conflict. And some are like the lion - king, domineering. We must work within the context of the personality with ever expanding vision for the lost. God then works through the unique aspects of the corps personality to do His work.

Another problem we can see in the marriage is the idea of “owning” a local position, or Sunday School Class or having a power trip. This is unhealthy. It hinders a productive marriage.

Officers (pastors) should not appoint people into ministry leadership that are spiritual lightweights. It is sad to see “leaders” within a corps who are spiritual babies or totally immature in this divine marriage relationship. Those not mature may end up hurting the cause of Christ and The Salvation Army. It is a word of caution for all of us. Do not quickly commission others.

In this marriage relationship the officer and soldiers are encouraged to maintain unity. In Philippians 1:27 - we read “Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel.”

Hopefully in your leadership position as pastor/officer this “marriage” relationship will grow through the rough times to become a beautiful picture of the love between Christ and His church!

Read part one and part two of this four-part series | part four appears next Monday.

Ragamuffin appears every Monday on theRubicon. Find past Ragamuffin posts and a bio of Jay Davis here.

No comments yet.

Leave a comment