This chapter outlines several specific methods that are used to draw attention away from the changes that need to happen. Remember from the previous chapter that all change involves grief, loss of what has been. Those who are grieving often take measures to try to establish some control over their lives. I think, when it comes to church, people don't generally try to sabotage change. Instead, I think, they are trying to create some calm out of the chaos of their lives. Evil steps in when people try to control their environment rather than allow Christ to be the ruler of their hearts.
The book outlines 4 major categories of danger and one sub-category. The four are marginalization (with personalization as a sub-category), diversion, attack, and seduction. While each of these has their own insidious ways to limit the disequilibrium that they changes have caused in the system.
Good Shepherd has been about change for so many years now that it seems to always be in a state of disequilibrium. This is good because we can always assume that changes are possible and expected. However, we should never discount the possibility that, when changes are needed, we are now a 17 year old church and things are beginning to "settle down."
1 comment:
"Good Shepherd has been about change for so many years now that it seems to always be in a state of disequilibrium."
Hmmm... maybe that's why GoodShepherd calls it a "Worship Center" instead of a "Sanctuary".
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