Monday, November 16, 2009

Healing and Ronciliation

A congregation which has lived through some manner of internal political turmoil will find itself in need of "healing and reconciliation." Any number of books and seminars are available on this topic; consultants and specialized pastors can be utilized to facilitate the process.

But be aware: this is not an easy or painless process. The words "healing and reconciliation" sound nice to us, but getting there may require blood, toil, tears, and sweat. In fact, the healing and reconciliation process may be as agonizing as the unhealthy behaviors which caused the rift in fellowship to begin with.

Be encouraged, however: this pain is at least purposeful. It is moving you in the correct direction, and to the extent that you encourage healthy conflict to replace dysfunctional sniping, you will be in harmony with God's Spirit, and He will empower you to make progress.

Healing is painful, but the pain of healing is more constructive than the pain of sinful power struggles.