Living Faithfully with Disappointment in the Church

by McBride; J.

• ISBN13: 9780789026217
• ISBN10: 078902621X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-12
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Feeling disappointment with your church can be spiritually devastating.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Jerry Gladson
Preface	xiii
Acknowledgments	xvii
When Churches Stumble	1	(8)
Idealism and the Church	2	(1)
Unity versus Community	3	(2)
The Church: The Community	5	(1)
When the Church Walks with Two Feet on the Ground	6	(1)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	7	(2)
When Families Feud	9	(8)
Boundaries	9	(1)
Stagnant Minds Lead to Isolated and Closed Churches	10	(1)
Controlling Families	10	(2)
Church Bullies	12	(1)
Church Codependents	13	(2)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	15	(2)
When Beliefs Crumble	17	(8)
A Crisis Can Bring Forced Introspection	17	(1)
Adjustments to Belief Structures Can Be Difficult	18	(1)
The Church Should Be a Safe Place for Honest Discussion	19	(1)
Beliefs Change in Multiple Ways	20	(1)
Belief Transitions Are Normal, Not Abnormal	21	(1)
Movement from the Status Quo May Energize	22	(1)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	23	(2)
When Religion Rigidifies	25	(10)
Addictive Processes in Organizations	27	(3)
The Awakening	30	(1)
A Psychological and Spiritual Danger Zone	30	(2)
Extremes Are Not Only Found in Extreme Organizations	32	(1)
The Problem of Mistaking Religion for Spirituality	32	(1)
The Challenge	33	(1)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	34	(1)
When Leaving Hurts	35	(10)
Idealism	35	(1)
The Battle	36	(1)
The Decision	37	(1)
Actions to Take When Facing a Denominational Crisis	38	(4)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	42	(3)
When Ministry Disillusions	45	(8)
Finding Meaning in Life	46	(1)
Finding Sanctuary	47	(1)
Learn to Surrender	48	(1)
A Sense of Discipline	48	(1)
Incorporating Others	49	(2)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	51	(2)
When Tensions Increase	53	(8)
A Narrow Focus Results in Lack of Tolerance	54	(1)
Not Accepting Tensions Results in Lack of Challenge	55	(1)
Integration Results in More Balance	56	(1)
Polarities in the Christian Life	56	(2)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	58	(3)
When Change Collides	61	(10)
Concepts About Change	61	(1)
Change and Churches	62	(1)
Superficial Change	63	(2)
Change Never Comes Easily	65	(1)
The Church: A Projection of Us?	66	(1)
When Change and Church Collide	67	(1)
The Opportunity	68	(1)
Questions for Reflection/Discussion	69	(2)
When Humanity Fails	71	(12)
The Crisis of Pollyanna Delusions: Denial	71	(2)
The Crisis of Projection: The Devil Made Me Do It	73	(1)
The Crisis of External Locus of Control: Expecting God to Do it All	74	(2)
The Crisis of Legalism: Control	76	(1)
The Crisis of Instability and Insecurity: Anxiety	76	(2)
The Crisis of the Inflated Self: Narcissism	78	(1)
The Crisis of Condemnation: Guilt	79	(1)
The Crisis of Conformity: Mindlessness	79	(1)
The Use of Spirituality and Religion in Psychologically Healthy Ways	80	(2)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	82	(1)
When Churches Walk the Talk	83	(14)
The Gospel, As Lived in the Healthy Church, Answers Many Important Questions	85	(10)
Conclusion	95	(1)
Questions for Discussion/Reflection	95	(2)
Epilogue	97	(2)
Bibliography	99	(2)
Index	101