May 2010

Building A Redemptive Immune System

In the Midwestern portion of the US, March is a time of great transition as we move from winter into spring.  Temperatures swing wildly, bringing mixes of rain and leftover winter snow.  The turmoil serves as a reminder that good weather is ahead.

That pattern often repeats itself in the local church which also experiences seasons of ministry.  We all know that change can elevate the frequency of conflict, and, if we are not careful, the level of conflict can begin to escalate.

Many of us completed Retreat #2 at a church we are coaching in the last couple of months.  At the end, we encouraged the church to commit to a Leadership Communications Covenant.  The purpose is to strengthen the immune system of the church to deal with conflict quickly and effectively in a redemptive manner.

My wife was diagnosed with lupus a number of years ago.  Lupus is categorized as an “autoimmune” disease that happens when the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage. A body system that is designed to keep us healthy can become unhealthy when it mistakenly attacks the parts of the body it was designed to protect.

The introduction a covenant to bolster the immune system of the church can create conflict where the immune system has been faulty for a long period of time. Now would be a good time to connect with the pastor and see how things are going at the church. Encourage the pastor to move cautiously, but deliberately in the direction of a healthy climate for dealing with conflict and sin.  Remind the pastor that it takes time, patience and consistent reinforcement for immune systems to develop.

Remember: our goal is to create a culture of redemptive peacemaking, where the truth is spoken in love, and the body “grows up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

For more information about the Retool Kit Pathway  click the “Next Steps” tab and send us a note.