Last week we discussed EGRs (Extra Grace Required) and the poisonous, but knowing the difference is not always easy. Some fall into what I call “The Grey Zone.” Below are possible scenarios and where they may fit.
People in the Grey Zone can be:
- overly critical – Do they accept the vision (EGR) OR ignore the vision (Poison)? You don’t want people who are needlessly critical. You DO want people who know and accept the church vision who are critical.
- talking poorly about others – Are they immature but growing (EGR) OR doing it intentionally (Poison)?
- holding to “emotion-based” theology – Do they keep it to themselves (EGR) OR think all must believe (Poison)? (Titus 3:9-11) Emotion-based theology says “That’s what my pastor/teacher/parents told me.” or “That’s just the way I believe!”
- whiners – Do they know it’s about preferences (EGR) OR think only of their comfort (Poison)? No one likes everything. No one should whine about it.
- WAY too eager – Are they passionate about serving (EGR) OR looking for a title (Poison)?
- suffering from “small-church mentality” – Are they learning to adapt (EGR) OR expecting church to adapt to their comfort by remaining small (Poison)?
Remember:
- Relational people spot EGR’s more easily BUT struggle with removing poisonous people. Get their input and remember that discipline may be necessary.
- Some are only poisonous in leadership. For them leadership leads to pride which leads to poison.
- What is their heart and direction? Discipleship and leadership development are messy. That question helps cut through some of it.
- Some churches can handle more than others. An EGR in one church can be poison in another if that church has newer or immature Christians.
- IMPORTANT: Do they want God to use your church?
What are your thoughts? What are other possible “grey zones?”
Spearhead Coaching 