When Congregations Experience Betrayal
I led a presbytery retreat on how to guide a congregation when they have experienced betrayal by a pastor. I share it with you for your adaption to your own given situation. It could be led by any judicatory or gathering of churches.
Congregations Experiencing Betrayal
1. Place yourself in the position of a session who has experienced betrayal by their pastor.
Ask those present to identify some of the feelings present in response to the betrayal.
(Make list as the group identifies the feelings that may be present.)
List ways you think this may affect the congregation.
(Again, make a list as the group responds.)
What are some ways you would like the larger church to help?
( Here you are guiding the regional bodies to identify with the church and their needs.)
2. Step back and recall the experience of the early church.
What prevented it from being destroyed by Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, and the abandonment of the disciples?
Describe Jesus’ response to these experiences of betrayal, denial, and abandonment.
3. As Jesus body on earth (The Body of Christ) begin to explore some redemptive possibilities that might emerge from this pain.
Also note ways that the regional church body might assist the congregation in their journey.
Try to reach a consensus of some very specific steps both individual churches and regional groups (presbyteries, diocese, districts, etc.) might take.
EMPOWERING THE CHURCH
You are free to adapt this in ways that are helpful. The basic design helps people begin where they are hurting and then recalls for them that they are a faith community that has faced this before. Then it empowers them to begin to respond to the possibilities that God may be offering them in the midst of their pain.
