Church Leaders: Distrust And Obey?

There are some very good reasons for church leaders not to trust a congregant. Some are obstructionists, determined to resist all change. Others engage in politicking and clique-forming. Still others enter the church with agendas, addictions, or abusive tendencies.

There is wisdom in maintaining good boundaries with a member possessing toxic tendencies that must be balanced with the call to shepherd even the balky or difficult sheep, not just the lovable ones.

But sometimes distrust originates with a leader. If a leader perceives a congregant as a threat or problem instead of a gift, the relationship will stall out or break down entirely. Three examples: [Read more]