Saturday, April 16, 2011

What Would You Do?

Ok, most of us volunteer, work, or help out in our church or congregation in some way. I have been a member of my church for 13 years and I know that the leadership counts on me to do my job well and within their guidelines. When they trust me with a task, they know it will be done unto God and with their standards in mind. This is also true with other members that they count on, especially those that have been in the church at least as long as I have.

So, what do you do when you are assigned to work on a task with another long-term member and you feel some aspects are not being implemented according to the "rules" or standards of your leadership? If you are both "equal" in seniority or authority, yet you feel that person is bendng the rules? Or in minor issues, even disregarding them? You want to be well-liked and considered a "team player" but don't want to compromise certain standards either, right? If this person is simply unaware of the rules, you can explain them. If they are approachable, you can calmly express your concerns. But what if you try this and you feel the other person is not open to peer instruction? What if you are met with disagreement or even obstinance?

Do you go to your leadership and make them aware of the situation and therby risk alienating the other member and become the "tattle-tale"?
Do you do your part of the task and not tell anyone else about it? Would you then be equally responsible for any fall-out that may occur later?
Parts of the task may not even come to the attention of leadership if they trusted the members to carry it out for them. But if some standard is compromised and you know about it, are you obligated to report it?
(I'm not talking about a violation of doctrine or doing something against the religion itself. Just protocol and/or procedural issues. Maybe even a minor safety concern).

What would you do?

Scripture Reference:
Colossians 3:23-24

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

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