In which our regular
writers toss around subjects a little more volatile than usual.
Immanuel Can: Tom, let’s talk about elders, particularly in their shepherding (the meaning of
“pastoral”, as you know) relationship to their congregations.
I’ve observed a consistent phenomenon: churches are usually
required by law to have some sort of general annual business meeting (AGM). At
that meeting there are always some members of the congregation who are unhappy
with something that has been decided on their behalf. It may be something
small, or something quite big.