Recently, I was asked why does unhealthy tension exist in some congregations. My simple answer was that unhealth tension occurs in any orgainzation or institution where people exist and when those people have no defined values that they agree to live by. The church is not exempt from unhealthy tension. In fact, the chruch is the place where unhealthy tension should be brought, dealt with and neutralized so that the individual can experience transformation in their life. I believe a lack of values is an indication of a lack of leadership. Also, the church like other not-for-profit organizations and institutions rarely have consequenes for unbecoming member behavior. The lack of consequences for unbecoming behavior leads to negative tension over time. Often, unhealth tension occurs without the members being aware of it because it happens systematically over a long period of time. Setting values in these situations is very difficult because most often, members are confortable with their existing behavior due to a lack of consequences. On the other hand, healthy congregations have well defined values, and clearly stated expectations so that those who do not abide by the rules of the house find themselves unwelcomed.
I welcome your comments.
