Shame-full Churches
- Rooted in shame-based religionism: keeping
human-made rules in order to be "right.
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Grace-full Churches
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- God is experienced as a demanding Shepherd
who drives His sheep.
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- God is experienced as an understanding
Shepherd who leads His sheep.
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- I am expected to be totally (or almost
totally) transformed the moment I trust Christ
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- I am expected to keep on being transformed
by having my mind renewed as long as I live.
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- Since I should be totally transformed
(perfect) I am different-and-less-than Christian because I am not perfect
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- Since I am in the lifelong process of
being transformed to be like Jesus, my imperfections don't surprise me, church members or
God.
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- Members with obvious problems are an
embarrassment to the church.
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- Members with obvious problems
are expected since the past and present effects of sin in Christians' lives can cause
serious problems.
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- Since real Christians have no serious
problems, no provisions have been made to help.
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- There are programs in place to provide
appropriate help.
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- Small-group Bible studies are dangerous
places because someone might get close enough to see behind my mask of perfection and know
I have problems
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- Small-group Bible studies are safe places
to practice being maskless and be with others who do the same. It's great to go where I
don't have to hide my problems.
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- Emphasis is on looking religious by
wearing the right clothes and carrying the right translation of the Bible.
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- Emphasis is on developing a deeper
relationship of love and trusting obedience to Jesus Christ.
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- Emphasis is on performance.
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- Emphasis is on worshipping God.
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- Emphasis is on revealing and rebuking
sinners.
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- Emphasis is on restoring repentant
sinners.
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- Attendance at church activities is used as
the main indicator of a person's true spirituality.
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- Acknowledgement that true spirituality is
reflected in total lifestyle and known only to God.
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Finding a Recovery-Friendly
Church