When it comes to transparency, churches can miss the mark.
Sometimes, the lack of transparency is unintentional.
Pobody's Nerfect, am I right?
It could be that church leaders lack transparency because they made a mistake, dropped the ball, and messed up.
And sometimes, church leaders will settle for presenting an "appearance of transparency" rather than doing the hard work and living transparently.
Why? Because keeping up appearances is tempting. It is as tempting as saying a loud “Amen” to conceal from others you fell asleep during that long closing prayer.
Oh, wait. Maybe that's just me.
You'd think that churches would set the standard for transparent living.
In the same way Chick-fil-A is trusted for its top-notch service, the church should be trusted for transparency and honesty.
People don't just appreciate transparency; they crave it.
Sadly, many people have come to expect the church to tell a "version of truth" that does not quite tell the whole story.
I call that Pseudo-transparency.
Pseudo-transparency leaves a bad taste in the mouth, like drinking orange juice from a metal thermos.
Church leaders responsible for pouring out this type of transparency often act like the church should be thankful for the version of truth they have been given, ask for seconds, and invite a friend back next weekend!
So, how do you know if your church pours out tall glasses of pseudo-transparency? Well, I pass on to you eight observations I have made over the years.
Eight Observations of Pseudo-Transparency:
The Silent Exit: Ever notice how a key staff member or pastor...vanishes? No goodbye party, no announcement. One day, they're there; the next, they've disappeared from the website, and an email of concern bounces back. It's like a magic trick, only way less fun.
The Highlight Reel: You see the church's triumphs and victories in full HD, but when it comes to leadership missteps or dropped balls? The broadcast ends. Genuine transparency means owning both the highs and the lows.
Delayed Disclosures: Ever feel like you're getting the news after it's old? Whether it's about staff firings, forced resignations, or other pivotal events, the info often rolls out when it's too late for the congregation to weigh in or when rumors have made secrecy untenable. It's like getting a "spoiler alert" after seeing the plot twist. True transparency never waits to begin.
Performance Meetings: Those big "open" town halls that end up feeling like a rehearsed play. Real questions? Dodged. Hard topics? Avoided. It's more theater than dialogue. Being willing to respond to any question and extending time when necessary while dealing with hard, matters.
Defensiveness: Pose a challenging question, and watch how quickly some church leaders raise their shields and point out the problems of other people. Instead of engaging in a meaningful conversation, it becomes a game of dodgeball.
The Puppet Master: When just a handful of folks control the entire church narrative, it feels less like a church community and more like a scripted TV show. (Someone cue the "applause" signs.)
Benching Dissent: Raise a concern or voice criticism, and suddenly, you're taken out of the game. Since when did asking for transparency become a ticket to ride the bench?
Overcomplication: When straightforward matters turn into a tangled web of explanations, you know something rotten is in Denmark. Instead of a precise yes or no, you're handed complicated spin that leaves you scratching your head.
So, you've read through the eight signs. Now, maybe you have a stomach-turning realization that your church might be in the business of serving up some good ol' pseudo-transparency. It's tough swill to swallow.
So...What do you do now?
Well, let me give some practical suggestions:
Breathe: Before doing anything, take a deep breath. Your church, like my church, is made up of imperfect people. Sometimes, a lack of transparency is not a deliberate attempt to deceive. You mess up. So do people in leadership.
Pray and Reflect: Remember, God not only values transparency, God is the source of transparency. Truth should not be hidden behind a veil, so ask God for discernment, wisdom, and understanding.
Clarify: Reflect on specific actions or patterns that have raised red flags for you. Ask yourself: Are these issues little bumps in the road that can be smoothed out, or are they deep-rooted problems eroding a foundation of trust?
Steer Conversation: Reach out to your church leadership in a non-confrontational manner. Share your concerns, ask questions, and seek clarity. Remember, it's a dialogue, not a monologue. If you sense "Pastor Cliff" is gaslighting, God has given you clarity.
Re-evaluate Your Commitment: Here's where the rubber meets the road. If you've done your part, had those chats, and still feel like you're hitting a brick wall, ask yourself: Is this church still a place where, without hesitation, you can introduce others to Jesus, grow spiritually, serve, and lead? It's never easy, but it may be time to find a new church family that values transparency as much as you do.
In my 26 years of serving church plants to mega-churches, I've realized that absolute transparency is essential yet often elusive. Many leaders grapple with the balance of openness without overexposing.
Been there, done that. Pass the offering plate.
Yet, a pattern of skirting around issues and presenting a filtered version of reality can erode trust over time.
It's better to walk in the truth than lead others in deception.
The rewards of genuine transparency, deep trust, strong bonds, and authentic spiritual growth are invaluable.
And if the only thing at stake is "Pastor Cliff's" reputation, it's a no-brainer. Ditch the smoke and mirrors and lead, honestly.
- Joe Donahue