Ever get the feeling someone has a button that makes this invisible hood around their head soundproofed? I see it when I try to explain to someone the problems with Spiritual Formation style churches. I also see it when I speak about problems with Rick Warren’s teachings. Even if I’m sharing with someone who knows me, knows I left my former church, and begin to point out issues…I get the glazed over look and the sudden comment that they need to wash their cat. I’m trying to decide which is scarier, a person who won’t see what’s right in front of them and avoids hearing anything critical OR a person who attacks you when you’re speaking the truth.
People tend to do strange things in churches. They let a lot of things slide. Because a pastor preaches about unity, people will try to get along with severe error. They will take a “wait and see” approach to something that is going on. A pastor can say a situation calls for a halt on gossip, so then people are afraid to speak to each other about it. They don’t seek counsel of other believers for fear of breaking confidentiality. A culture of silence is created. So when someone speaks boldly and tries to point directly to the problems, the sound proof hoods come out.
When it happens to me, when someone puts on the hood I sigh. I sigh and try my best to move on. You cannot force someone to hear the truth. I wait for a better opportunity with the person, wait a while to restate myself. Maybe later a person will be ready to hear the truth. I can only hope.
I am a C...I am a CH...I am a CHRISTIAN 