At the same retreat that I mentioned on Friday, I also led a session 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.
COM and Congregations Experiencing Betrayal
1. Place yourself in the position of a session who has experienced betrayal by their pastor.
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 COM & staff to help.
( Here you are guiding the COM 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 COM might assist the congregation in their journey.
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.
