Causes and Cures for the Dysfunctional Church, Part II

Today we continue our series on “Help for the Dysfunctional Church” as we borrow from Pastor Larry Stocksdale’s book, “The Remnant.” Yesterday we defined the word dysfunctional as “deviating from normal behavior.” In His book, Stocksdale describes five primary dysfunctions of the American church and what God’s Word says is the cure for each of these causes. Yesterday, we covered “the unfathered church” as the primary reason for ministerial instability and failure within the church today.

DYSFUNCTION #2: The Uncorrected Church

Not only is the church today unfathered but it is also uncorrected. There is very little accountability today for church leaders except in cases where it is built into denominational or fellowship bylaws. Choices without consequences bring confusion. Politicians face serious consequences with their constituents when they commit moral failure. Athletes who break rules, throw temper tantrums, or use drugs are often required to sit out entire seasons. Why shouldn’t the church discipline its leaders?

The sad truth is the world looks upon the church’s abuse of authority and lack of accountability as the ultimate hypocrisy. Spiritual leaders must have spiritual fathers in their lives who act both in the role of affirmation (the role of the Apostle) and in the role of correction (the prophet). John 1:17 says God deals in grace and truth.

The Cure: Accountability and Standards Through the Prophet

Pastor Stocksdale writes, “When consequences are relational and not reality-based (pain), no character change occurs. Drs Cloud and Townsend point out that the relational consequences such as nagging, guilt, and withholding affection never really change character. Only reality-based consequences (automatic consequences that result directly from actions and choices) change us. Although, we may try to manipulate and maneuver our way out of problems we have caused, the consequences still must happen if we are to learn, grow, and change.”

Proverbs 19:19 says “A man of great anger will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him: you will only have to do it again.” We may love, support, empathize, assist, and encourage – but never rescue."

Pastor Stocksdale asks some soul-searching questions, “Can today’s church be self-governing? Does it have the guts to stand up and correct itself? Will they submit to the prophetic oversight of seasoned men who lovingly recommend a course of action that is honorable, even when others protest they don’t “feel the love”? If the church will commit to higher ethical and moral standards than that of the systems of this world, the world will once more look again to us for moral direction.”