People don’t need an explanation when I share that I’m still a committed Christian despite the fact that I served on a church staff for 40 years. The sad reality is that the church, as a representation of Christianity, is not living up to that role.

It’s become a haven for people who have no power anywhere else to hold a power position, and a place for blaming, criticizing, and excluding. Sometimes the people who hold the power in the local church are the very cause of the dysfunction: we avoid conflict and it then takes control.

I have visited many churches since leaving full-time music ministry and found many churches that will not exist in a few years. There are many, many devoted and passionate pastors wanting to energize the church and engage members in a vital and relevant faith journey. They are all doing the best they can and using the best tools they know.

This thread is intended for those faith leaders wanting to lead revitalized ministries and who are willing to be open to looking inward in order to have an outward influence that makes a difference. This journey begins with self-awareness and isn’t about blame or criticism. Faith leaders are not intentionally damaging the church. Church leaders are working within a system that’s broken and are so close to the situation, that they can’t get a view of how to facilitate transformation. As St. Paul states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom 12:2

My pattern is to ask questions hoping to prompt creative thinking and problem-solving. Readers can be offended and criticize the questions, however, we remain where we are if we are not growing.

James Allen said, “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they, therefore, remain bound.”

Transformation begins with the leader. My background is in teaching leaders new pathways to transformational effectiveness through embracing Transformational Leadership as a culture of higher functioning. The culture is a reflection of the leader.

Here are some questions, headlines, and quotes to prompt us to think creatively and to get out of the box we are in that limits our awareness...

Questions:

Should we just bury the existing church this Good Friday with Jesus?

Where does this leave us as Christian leaders and what other options can we create?

How do I as a Christian leader equip myself to be the influencer for transformation?

What does the local church in which I am the leader look like in 5 years?