Repairing Community

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe subject of this thesis is identifying and repairing areas of broken relationships within church leadership community. Church leaders hold in tension the notion of serving while not being served. Leaders serve the church, offering spiritual nurture and care of the congregation, while enduring the effects of broken fellowship among their colleagues. The church’s vision of leaders serving together without consideration of their emotional and spiritual needs, miss a crucial element in maintaining the well-being of the leadership community. Healthy communities give personal attention to its members, they have real conversations in the hard places, and they remain connected to their group to work through their conflicts. This thesis brings forward the argument that congregational leaders can move from a picture of fragmented interrelationships to genuine Christian unity by introducing lessons that raise their awareness of the value and gift of community. The lessons designed focus on drawing people together by honoring our differences, as we locate our sameness within our shared Christian identity. As a result of committing to the real work of repairing relationships, and dismantling the disingenuous, we find a more authentic spiritual life in community.