Family of God # 4

A lot of conflict in the local church congregation is caused by hierarchy. It is a phenomenon often seen in humans as well as other parts of God's creation. Anyone in church leadership must give it consideration because generally every grouping of people organize around it. Hierarchy means a ranking of all the individuals within the group from highest to lowest according to social status. It is a way to organize complex groups of people. It is most clearly seen during times of high anxiety. There is often a price to pay for hierarchy.

When consensus is used and power is distributed among many, people feel engaged, valued and "heard." However, when hierarchy rules subordinates often feel dominated and devalued as a person and will become emotionally depressed and disenchanted with the group. As Bowen pointed out in his work titled Family Theory, "as people loose the ability to function and make decisions in a group it takes less and less anxiety to trigger dysfunctional or irresponsible behavior or to cause physical, emotional or social illness (drinking, smoking overeating, acting out, etc.) to occur." (page 385)

As a Friends Church we are organized under a congregational system. Simply stated, the power of our church resides with the individual member. Members appoint leaders to govern the affairs of the organization. Leaders are accountable to the membership.

In a congregational lead structure like the Friends Church it is imperative for leaders to keep the Proforma of the organization clearly in focus for all to see. By consensus decisions must be made for the good of the vision, mission and objectives of the organization and not to cater to the will or preferences of the individual.

Hierarchy exists in the Friends Church. It is seen through our elected leaders and the non-official structuring of our church community. We trust in the maturity of people to use their influence to help us fulfill the ministry Proforma of our organization and not to use their platform of influence over others to push their own agenda.

Through mature people the Holy Spirit can lead a church through consensus for the glory of God. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5, "we are to be mutually submission unto one another as unto the Lord." This principle works at home too. As we submit ourselves to the good of our family mission the more available we become to the Holy Spirit's leading and power working in our life and in the ones we love. Seeking selfish interest is always a stopper for the miracle working power of God. Whether in the home or at church.

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian