Discussion Questions:
- Understanding Fear: How does fear manifest in your personal experience or observation within church leadership? Can you share specific instances where fear played a significant role?
- Expertise and Knowledge: Tod Bolsinger mentioned the importance of bringing in experts to build trust. How do you think church leaders can effectively balance knowing enough to lead while relying on external expertise?
- Faith vs. Fear: Reflecting on the gospel refrains of ‘fear not,’ how can church leaders use spirituality to address fear within their congregations?
- Community of Empathy: How can a church create a community of empathy and accompaniment, especially when dealing with fear and loss?
- Navigating Loss: What are some practical ways church leaders can help their congregations navigate the fear of loss and change?
- Resistance in Leadership: In your experience, how does resistance manifest in a church setting, and what strategies have proven effective in addressing it?
- Fear Normalization: How can leaders normalize the experience of fear without minimizing the concerns of their congregants?
- Facing Fear Together: Discuss ways in which a leader can foster a sense of togetherness and collective action when dealing with fear and anxiety in a church community.
- Engaging the Most Fearful: How do you approach and engage with the most fearful or resistant members of your church? Share any strategies that have worked for you.
- Learning from Case Studies: Tod Bolsinger mentioned case studies in his book “Leading Through Resistance.” Reflect on any case studies or real-life examples you know where addressing fear and resistance led to positive outcomes. What were the key takeaways?