Principle #3: Brokenness and Vulnerability

This is the third principle that Peter Scazzero highlights for a congregation to be an emotionally healthy church. This is a real challenge because in the past the church has presented itself as a place where we cover up our brokenness and we certainly do not want to show our vulnerability to others.

We do not typically associate weakness with being a strong Christian or being a strong church. We typically think that the stronger we show ourselves to be, then the stronger and more vital the witness of the church is. However, the apostle Paul has other ideas.

Do you remember his “thorn in the flesh?” We are not sure what it was. But over the years, in my own reflection on this, I am convinced that his “thorn in the flesh” may have been some physical problem that he truly believed hindered his ministry.

He was so bothered and irritated by it that he prayed three times for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” God said, “No!” Paul said humbly, “Ok! I have learned in my weakness that God’s strength is seen.”

Why is recognition of and the embracing of our weaknesses so important for the health of the church? Because only when others see us in our brokenness and vulnerabilities embracing the grace of God will they see the light and hope of the gospel!

This third principle of brokenness and vulnerability has the following important dynamics:

1. Being a church of broken and vulnerable people keeps us from being proud and defensive.
2. Being a church of broken and vulnerable people keeps us humble and not living out of our own sense of importance and strength.
3. Being a church of broken and vulnerable people, we recognize our weaknesses as a gift from God!
4. Being a church of broken and vulnerable people, we are like the Prodigal son coming back to the father after we have wasted everything and lived in the pigpen!
5. Being a church of broken and vulnerable people, we grasp the glory of the gospel and we are able to revel in the Father’s love and acceptance.

As servant leaders, we do not have to be perfect and have it all together! We are weak and vulnerable, and we model for others a life of faithfulness where we allow the strength of God to be seen through us.

May God give us the wisdom to see that our weakness is an invitation for others to join us in this journey!

In Christian love, Curtis.

Resource:

Peter Scazzero. (2010). The Emotionally Healthy Church:   A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives. Zondervan Publishing.