Trust

This week I had two different opportunities to have significant conversations about trust. One was a with a rector who was dealing with a sr.warden who described herself as 'a detail person who needs to know all the ins and outs, reasons why decisions are made in order to trust'. The other was a search committee which had members who weren't sure they could 'trust the diocese and the manner in which it handles potential rector candidates to be considered'. I found these conversations led to the whole topic of communication, clarity, transparency, confidentiality and how well we do these things.

There is no debate that trust is a human issue that translates across all cultures, organizations and any time two or more people are gathered together. I have found that there is a deep, unspoken expectation of trust on the part of everyone in Christian community. When that trust is broken, wounds form and lasting scars of betrayal have the power to live on in stories that are passed down for generations until they no longer entertain. People like to relish in the weakness of others. The act of breaking trust and the inability of people to forgive are equally sinful and destructive, especially in churches.

Leaders in Christian community are called to demonstrate trust; trust in God, each other in relational bonds and the community as a whole. This is a godly thing. It is foundational. It is tough to do. Trustworthiness at the top filters down into the community. Years of trustworthiness can change cultures of behavior, especially as persons recognize that they can trust and act in accordance. Trustworthy leaders hold the power to reflect God's love for us, belief in us, trust in us. This is life changing power that must be judiciously and thoughtfully used.

What are some practical and wise ways to instill trust? Probably the most powerful thing a leader can do is live and model what trustworthiness looks like. This involves obvious, faithful ways of living and interacting with each other. It calls for wise and sensitive communication; when to talk, when to listen. Missionary leaders are called to seek God's holy counsel to reveal what is important, appropriate and necessary to say, and what is not. This maturity and wisdom only comes from a vibrant and ongoing relationship with God which supports and informs us as leaders.

Taking time to build relationships, being thoughtfully honest and transparent, and seeing the good in people will go a long way toward building trust. I am convinced that this includes affirming God-given giftedness, skills and talents in each other and using our influence as leaders to steer people into ministry opportunities that will utilize these things.

There is also tremendous power in admitting wrongs, acting in sincere humility, seeking forgiveness. Broken trust only heals with forgiveness. This too is a God enabled act. Trust will be enabled by your teaching people what it means to forgive.

The challenge is for each one of us as leaders to consider how we can foster trust building in our churches. Believe me, somewhere in your community is a need for renewed trust and forgiveness. What will you do to respond to this need?