Christian leaders can be too nice. We’ve internalized the message, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” However, sometimes leadership requires more than being nice. In fact, as far as I’m able to tell, the word “nice” does not appear in the Bible.
I want to see the church flourish and as such, we all need to have some tough and courageous conversations about what is not working. Courage requires us to face our fears so that we can collaboratively seek new solutions and save our churches.
Actor and activist George Takei uses his public profile to tell of his experiences growing up in the United States, particularly through the lens of his early years being interned during the Second World War. Most recently, Takei tells this story through his new graphic novel, “They Called Us Enemy.”
Anxious groups make sometimes make decisions too quickly—the rush to judgment. Or they make decisions too slowly, unable to take a risk of any kind. What’s a leader to do? Remember that not only is anxiety contagious, so is calm.”
Is American Christianity oppressive? Many would say a resounding yes. As rhetorical as the question is, we need to address the oppressive nature of American Christianity, by looking at the aspects that shape American Christianity.
If the church demonstrates healthy relationships, assembles diverse individuals (no matter the background), serves the poor and marginalized, and helps equip its congregants in leadership and discipleship, our communities would reflect hope and positive change. On a micro-level, if we would be bold and become effective in our own spheres of influence, our communities, households, jobs, and schools would be transformed as well.”