 |
|
|
| |
Ecclesiastical Insecurities
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
All of us have a built in system of insecurities. These constitute our emergency alarm system. The alarms go off when we face some external threat or danger. Alarm systems are good for our health and well-being and we all should have one. On the other hand, some people give in to their insecurities to such an extent that it undermines their well-being and their professional accomplishments. It is like they are living in such a perpetual state of false alarms that they can never find the inner quietude and tranquility that heals others and builds community.
If you would like your personal insecurities to undermine your church community, here are some things that you as a leader might do:
1. Never celebrate or appreciate the accomplishments of others lest we be perceived as "triumphalistic".
2. Have your "guard dogs" primed with misinformation and a bad attitude.
3. Hide behind the answering machine and escape the coffee hour so people cannot "get at you".
4. Cultivate a "them versus us" attitude with the Diocese, neighbouring churches and deanery officers.
5. Control critical information and give it out only to those who agree with you.
6. Cultivate financial hiding and holding versus disclosure and generosity.
7. Fill your congregations with communal pride and self righteousness so that they are sure nothing worthwhile can be happening anywhere else.
8. Voice your suspicions and groundless speculations about your peers and rivals.
9. Set up an unhealthy alliance with emotionally needy volunteers who will cling to office and support you for their own power needs.
10. Keep, develop, and recite a well-cared for list of grievances with co-workers and the Diocese.
11. Convince your parishioners they can gain some concessions by waving the list regularly.
12. Think about building an empire and a fortress and give no thought of new options or a different future.
13. Motivate your congregation to their next great accomplishment by using motives of fear, apprehension, and looming disaster instead of the motives of faith, hope and love.
Parishes and Christian leaders which have a full blown case of "insecurity syndrome" exist in sharp contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who said "Be not afraid", "Love casts out fear," . . .Lo I am with you always"!
Item XXIX
©2000 Ronald C. Ferris
... back to "Resources for effective parish leadership" main page
|
|
|
 |
