The Ambiguity of the Church

John Stott, the great 20th century Anglican preacher and writer from England, wrote the 2002 Inter Varsity Press book Basic Christian Leadership. He points out that the Corinthian Church had leadership limitations, doctrinal difficulties, communal contradictions and practical problems. Yet Paul still gave thanks for the church and emphasized its giftedness (1 Corinthians 1:4-9). He also emphasized the unity of the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). A good leader will acknowledge and address imperfections while at the same time affirm strengths. Motivating an organization and its people to higher levels requires a balance of praise and ‘push’, a combination of commendation and correction. In fact the risen Jesus does this so well in his messages to the seven Asian churches in Revelation chapters 2 & 3.

Think about it:
• As a leader, do you dwell on the positive or the negative? What are the dangers of weighing in on one side to the exclusion of the other?
• Do you lead into defeatism (“we are not perfect, never will be, so let’s not even worry about imperfections!”) or do you lead as a perfectionist (“you are not getting it right, so shape up now!”)
• Does one aim too low? … too high?
• What has been your experience? Is there a best way to lead?