RE:[revival-fire] Unity, community and working things out

******* REVIVAL FIRE!!! *******    

What a stir about my last posting. As a counselor and author who has been in three churches in my lifetime – each church for 7-15 years and each one left honorably and in love – I certainly do not advocate an independent spirit. I encourage people to stay where they find community, have common-union, and relationships that are a two-way street. Covenant relationships are never one sided.   I posted the last post because I saw Aaron as a "type" that is out there and from the personal responses I've received, it has helped a number of pastors think about the people in their midst and brought a measure of healing to others who feel that way. And, as a writer, I am trained to overemphasize and dramatize a point just to make people think. Actually, I am less hurt and angry than I sounded and am currently part of a wonderful church with a great leadership team. It had a great narrative effect, tho!   As for anyone's church situation - I certainly advocate working things out whenever possible. The spirit of unity is key to harmony in a church or a relationship. When you focus on common ground and take a moment to pray and invite the Lord to release His unity and common-union, the air will clear and God will turn this into a win-win situation for anyone in any relational conflict. Sometimes, personalities make working things out futile. Particularly if someone in leadership would say "my way or the highway". A servant-leader is focused on honoring your gifts and would present the opportunity to minister as a place for you to further develop those gifts...not as a slot that they need a body to fill. The best leader would call out the gifts inside of you and let you develop them according to the destiny God intended for you & you partner together to find the best ministry fit.   I advocate that people find a place where they are celebrated, find a place where love and a spirit of "communion" - common union, a working together to really build up one another and the church – is worked into the fabric of the group as a core value. Also, where covenant and accountability are meant to encourage another's highest potential – not as control and manipulation – (which is not the issue in Aarons' case) and where the corporation budget does not take precedence over the move of God among individuals within the church.   I also believe that churches provide great training opportunities to serve and grow in your gifts and character. Yet, the key is to articulate that to the members – not make it seem like they need a body to fill a slot.   I fully believe in a culture of honor, in working things out to develop or strengthen a spirit of unity, and calling people on their bluffs. Consider the case of a child who repeatedly threatens to run away in order to get out something they don't want to do.  Sometimes the momma has to call the bluff, pack the lunch and say, "Ok, have a nice adventure." The child rarely gets beyond the front yard…before turning home to work it out.   I am glad to read what others have posted, thrilled that Aaron has worked things out with his leadership, and excited to know that so many people are intentionally creating an atmosphere of love and honor, unity and covenant relationships in their church groups.   Peace & blessings to all, Julia Loren  www.julialoren.net

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