Abuse of Power in the Church—Part VII--It’s NOT About Perfection…

Don’t get me wrong. We are all human. Even as those redeemed and being transformed by Jesus, we will still fail. This conversation isn’t about perfection, it is about right use of power—and, when wrongly applied, a willingness to be held accountable, to admit wrongs, to tell the truth, to be corrected, forgiven, healed, restored (where possible).

Too often, in a misguided attempt to “protect” the church and its reputation, we gloss over our sins and the sins of our leaders, minimizing those errors and failing to take responsibility for our actions, attitudes, and the ripple effects of these failings on others individually and collectively. When we hide, tell half-truths, and downplay the seriousness of offenses, we do more damage than “protection.” We create or perpetuate a culture of mistrust, distrust, lack of safety, and facilitate disconnection and disunity in the very place and among the very people that God calls to fellowship, community, and harmony.

And, while we’re on the subject: No idea how or when we began this toxic Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) thing and paying out generous severance packages to those who are leaving in disgrace or under a cloud. I hope it stops. This process is not only unhealthy (hiding/masking the truth, adding to the burden of betrayal, using precious budget resources to “pay off” those who have failed in their leadership, etc.), but devalues the faithful administrative assistants, pastors, custodians, and other staff members who leave on good terms without a severance or NDA. Instead of championing and applauding those who finish well, NDAs and severances emphasize the completely wrong things at the expense of truth and integrity and accountability. We are rewarding exactly the wrong behavior. We are sending the wrong message to staff and congregation by continuing to steward our resources in these ways.

In the list of the things the Lord hates, the following are included:

·         haughty eyes,

·         a lying tongue,

·         hands that shed innocent blood,

·         a heart that devises wicked schemes,

·         feet that are quick to rush into evil,

·         a false witness who pours out lies

·         and a person who stirs up conflict in the community (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Christian community, by contrast, is about exhorting each other toward love, service, gathering together, being fully committed to Jesus and to one another: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Reflect:

·         How does the Proverbs 6 list convict you or remind you of God’s priorities for living in community?

·         What reminders in Hebrews 10:24-25 can help create healthy fellowship?

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Catalyst for Equipping at her church since 1999. Contact her about growing your self- and other-awareness and life/ministry coaching.

Photo (c) Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.