Several years
ago Lloyd Rediger wrote a book titled Clergy
Killers. It spoke so clearly to an issue that is facing church leaders
around the world. Since that time many people have been greatly concerned about
the phenomena of “clergy killers”, a small group of lay persons literally
destroying the life of a pastor. Most pastors have experienced some type of
unjustified attack or bullying in the church. Some have been successful in
spite of the harassment and stayed in the ministry but, sadly, many have left
because of the problem.
Many of us feel that it is time that the church took a stand and begin to work to develop healthy strategies for these kinds of tragic occurrences in many churches. It’s important that we develop training for clergy and their families to prepare them to deal with conflict. We need to encourage the church to no longer allow this meanness that hurts and destroys. This is not the way Jesus’ church should be run.
Many of us feel that it is time that the church took a stand and begin to work to develop healthy strategies for these kinds of tragic occurrences in many churches. It’s important that we develop training for clergy and their families to prepare them to deal with conflict. We need to encourage the church to no longer allow this meanness that hurts and destroys. This is not the way Jesus’ church should be run.
On October
2-4, 2012, Leadership Nexus will
sponsor Developing
Healthy Clergy and Congregations Conference to deal with this topic. This conference will seek to offer solutions for dealing with church conflict and restoring church unity, vitality
and overall church health.
This conference is being presented in conjunction with US Films and the Stressed Clergy Association,
a group that seeks to help clergy who have been affected by church conflict.
US Films will be
sharing with us portions from their new film, Betrayed: The Clergy Killer’s DNA
. Betrayed is a shocking documentary that clarifies the issue of clergy abuse and reveals
that it affects all faiths and denominations, including the Catholic Church,
the Jewish faith, and other religious groups around the world. (Copies of the film are now
available, to purchase for only $19.95, through US Films.)
The
conference will include teaching by many of the church leaders featured in the
movie, including Dr. James Forbes,
Minister Emeritus, Riverside Church, New York City; Dr.
Lloyd Rediger
who will speak about his book, "Clergy
Killers" and more.
Plus, specialists in the mental health field with expertise in conflict
resolution will be speaking and leading workshops.
I encourage
you to join us for this life-changing event.
Let’s begin a dialogue about the issue. Let us know your comments,
experiences, opinions. Together, united in Christ, we can find a resolution for
this problem. Register
today!
