Praxis

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After several episodes of naming some of the major toxins in the American church soil, we have turned the corner, and we are now discussing some of the healthy nutrients we can put into the soil to help create a healthy church culture. Join us as we define what empathy within the church can look like, observe how Jesus embodied empathy, and discuss practical ways that we can begin to engrain empathy into our church culture.

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We are in a series right now focused on cultivating a healthy church culture. Every church has a culture, whether they realize it or not.  And while some churches have a healthy church culture, many do not! So over the last few episodes we’ve discussed two toxins in the soil of the American church that are inhibiting kingdom fruit. We talked about "celebrity-ism", or having a personality-driven church, we talked about "growth-ism" or the belief that growth is the mark of success, and we talked about the misuse and abuse of power.

In this episode, we want to name and discuss a third toxin in the soil of the American church and it’s dogmatism. We'll define what we mean, talk about examples we've seen, and discuss and healthier way of relating to our beliefs and the beliefs of others.

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We are in a series right now focused on cultivating a healthy church culture. Every church has a culture, whether they realize it or not.  And while some churches have a healthy church culture, many do not! So over the last few episodes we’ve discussed two toxins in the soil of the American church that are inhibiting kingdom fruit. We talked about "celebrity-ism", or having a personality-driven church, and we talked about "growth-ism" or the belief that growth is the mark of success.

In this episode, we want to name and discuss a third toxin in the soil of the American church and it’s the misuse and abuse of power.

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We are in a series right now focused on cultivating a healthy church culture. If you didn’t get a chance to listen to the previous two episodes, we encourage you to go back and take a listen because we covered a lot of ground.  

Every church has a culture, whether they realize it or not. And while some churches have a healthy(ish) church culture, we are seeing signs of widespread dysfunction in churches — revealing that many do not.

We’ve been using this metaphor of a fruit tree to help us.  The most important thing is the soil; if the soil isn’t healthy, the tree won’t be healthy and won’t be able to produce healthy fruit. Today we want to name a second toxin in the soil of the American church: the idol of church growth.

Let's discuss the problems we find in equating success with church growth, how this became the norm, and what we can do to shift away from it and be mindful of it in our own churches.

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Every church has a culture whether they realize it or not.  Some cultures are reasonably healthy; others are not.  And while no church is perfect, part of the work every church needs to engage in is intentionally working to close whatever gap exists between being healthy and where they currently are.

So in this series, we are seeking to help close the gap. And this involves not only talking about the marks of an unhealthy church culture but casting vision for how we as the church can embody a way of life together that, while it may not be perfect is oriented toward goodness, kindness, and love.

And today we want to talk about church cultures that are personality-driven, a powerful toxin in the soil of unhealthy church cultures.

When a church builds the church around a single person (and typically this is the lead pastor) an unhealthy church culture is created.  A lead-pastor-centric church that orbits around the pastor’s personality and gifting will not be a healthy church.

And yet this is commonplace. Let's talk about why that is, notice the pitfalls, and look at how we can move towards a healthier alternative.

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Today we are starting a new series on creating a healthy church culture.
Culture is the way that people consciously or unconsciously do life together.  And every church has a culture whether they realize it or not. Some of these cultures are healthy and some are not.
In recent years we’ve become somewhat accustomed to news headlines of celebrity pastors being exposed for moral failure or abusive leadership, leaving behind a wake of hurt and pain for everyone involved. And that’s not how things should be. So in this series, we not only want to talk about what an unhealthy church culture might look like but cast a vision for how we as the church can embody a way of life together that, while it may not be perfect, is oriented toward goodness and kindness and love.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Redeeming Power by Diane Langberg
• Celebrities for Jesus by Katelyn Beaty
• When Narcissism Comes to the Church by Chuck DeGroat
• The Way of the Dragon or The Way of the Lamb by Jamin Goggin & Kyle Strobel
• The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson & Jeff Van Vonderen
• Church Called Tov  by Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer
• Pivot by Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer

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How often do you contemplate the essential role that boundaries play in your life? In a chat teeming with wisdom and practical advice, we, your hosts Katie and Mac, team up with our delightful guest, the ever-insightful therapist and long-standing church community member, Terri Koschnick. Together, we navigate the dynamic world of boundaries, discussing their significance, the physiological and chemical responses they elicit, and their profound impacts on our overall well-being.

We examine the cornerstone role of boundaries in fostering honesty and the pitfalls of unspoken assumptions that often lead to boundary trespasses. With Terri's expert guidance, we shed light on how clear communication and boundary setting in tandem with our values can bolster the health and integrity of our relationships. We also delve into the perturbing world of gaslighting and power dynamics, sharing insights on setting boundaries to shield ourselves from such toxicity.

As we wrap up this enlightening exchange, we present you with practical steps to help you implement and prioritize boundaries in your life. Learn how practices such as journaling, initiating boundary-setting dialogues, and keen awareness of your feelings and thoughts can lead to healthier relationships and better self-care. And stay tuned for a little taste of what's next - our upcoming series on church health. So, join us for this enriching dialogue with Terri Koschnick, one that extends beyond the realm of healthy relationships to a life lived in harmony and balance.

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Do boundaries really impose control or are they statements of self-definition and values? This episode of Praxis aims to demystify this, taking you on a journey through the importance of emotional maturity in discipleship and the key role it plays in setting boundaries. We dive into the concept of boundaries, portraying them as property fences that provide clarity and foster growth. We illuminate different types of boundaries, from personal to time management in relationships, and how they can be recognized and respected. 

Let's face it, setting and maintaining boundaries can be challenging. It's like walking on a tightrope where you are trying to balance your own needs while respecting those of others. In this conversation, we address common misconceptions about boundaries being a form of control and explain how they are actually ways of defining ourselves and our values. We delve into the difficulties faced when trying to set boundaries and underscore the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in doing so.

Finally, we highlight the power of communication in establishing boundaries. Jesus, our perfect example, taught us how to set boundaries with love and respect. We need to understand that boundaries are not instruments of division but tools for nurturing healthier relationships. We examine how Jesus set boundaries between himself and his disciples, and how we can apply these lessons in our relationships today. Don't miss out on this fresh perspective on boundaries and relationships in this intriguing episode of Praxis. You are guaranteed to walk away with some new insights that will enrich your relationships.

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What if you could navigate life and relationships with ease, exhibiting a high emotional quotient akin to that of Jesus? Imagine the impact of bringing such emotional maturity into your daily interactions, your parenting style, your friendships, and every other aspect of life. Join us as we embark on an in-depth exploration of this significant element of discipleship while shedding light on the disruptive role anxiety plays.

We've all been there - caught in the relentless cycle of over-functioning, driven by our need for validation and fear of failure, leading to exhaustion, bitterness, and resentment. We'll guide you in recognizing this behavioral pattern and how it may be infiltrating your life. More importantly, we present strategies for self-awareness and humility to shift your response from anxiety-driven to one of genuine care. The impact of over-functioning and under-functioning on relationships can create a power imbalance; we'll share Jesus' guidance on setting boundaries, refusing to carry the emotional weight of others' thoughts and feelings.

Communication is key - being open and honest can make all the difference. We believe these conversations, hard as they may be, are necessary for personal growth and healthy relationships. So, we invite you to journey with us, growing in emotional maturity and equipping yourself to better navigate life's challenges.

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Ever wondered why a simple conversation can suddenly turn into a web of tension and misunderstanding? Through our journey into emotional maturity and anxiety, we'll shed light on the concept of relational triangles, and how they impact our emotional well-being and relationships. From pop culture to everyday examples, we'll unravel these triangles, and how they can serve as a source of tension or an opportunity for positive interaction.

Discover how you can turn negative triangles into positive ones, fostering healthier communication and relationships. We'll also delve into the world of positive triangles in parenting, siblings, and within families, which can help you navigate your own relationships better.

Tune in as we explore the model set by Jesus in navigating relational triangles, as seen in the stories of Mary, Martha, James, and John. Learn how Jesus displayed emotional maturity and neutrality, guiding us on how to handle relational conflicts gracefully without losing our values. Remember, staying neutral doesn't mean checking our values at the table, but rather it's about responding to pressure out of principle, not emotion. Come, join us on this enlightening journey and let's navigate the complexities of relational triangles together.