The gravitational pull of the organization can be so strong but feel natural for those in it. There's a tendency to judge those who aren't as close to the center and withhold social connection from those who aren't as 'committed.'
This made me think how, in my experience, when congregants lament that they don't feel connected — often the first response is, "Volunteer! Lead!" Relationships become transactional, rather than simply just generous — "We're just glad you're here."
"People should avoid being church consumers, but churches should fess up about being people consumers." Love that one. Definitely feel/seen/and get all you said here.
I think one of the issues is that in a church there is stuff that needs to be done. If there’s no children’s work, people with kids go elsewhere. Likewise with no refreshments or music group. And so without the rota, without the people prepared to serve- it may well struggle.
The gravitational pull of the organization can be so strong but feel natural for those in it. There's a tendency to judge those who aren't as close to the center and withhold social connection from those who aren't as 'committed.'
This made me think how, in my experience, when congregants lament that they don't feel connected — often the first response is, "Volunteer! Lead!" Relationships become transactional, rather than simply just generous — "We're just glad you're here."
I like this one. Makes me feel okay to ask for help.
"People should avoid being church consumers, but churches should fess up about being people consumers." Love that one. Definitely feel/seen/and get all you said here.
I think one of the issues is that in a church there is stuff that needs to be done. If there’s no children’s work, people with kids go elsewhere. Likewise with no refreshments or music group. And so without the rota, without the people prepared to serve- it may well struggle.