Healthy Churches

Churches are a lot like families...they're often dysfunctional. So the messy stuff of interaction and healing relationships goes on in the fellowship hall. This should come as no surprise. I talk to a lot of pastors, and some are very discouraged by in-fighting, gossip, and general dissatisfaction within their congregations. I realize how blessed I am that my church is so healthy. It is hard enough to be a pastor without having a stressful environment in which to minister. Ministers need the support of their flock, and I'm not talking money. It is an encouragement to me that my congregation prays for me and doesn't expect me (or my family) to be perfect.