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1. Rut Thinking: This is the mindset that invokes the "7 Deadly Words of the Church”: We’ve never done it that way before.
2. Pessimism: How often have you heard someone say "I’m only being a realist" in response to a perceived crisis? My first response is "No you're not! You're being a pessimist, not a realist."
3. Control Freaks: Control freaks are easy to spot simply because they like to be in control as well as in the spotlight. They are fearful people who believe that if they could control a situation or persons involved, everything would be done properly.
4. Bottom-Line Thinking: "Bottom feeders," as I call them, are dangerous to the ministry of a church if they are left unchallenged.
5. An Unwelcoming Spirit to Those "Not Like Us:" If it were not for those who are "not like us," the church would have died out long ago. Those who are not like us (whatever that means!) are the very reason the Church exists.
6. Herd Mentality: This is the inability for people own up to their own opinions and say "I think" or "I believe," finding it easier just to go along by saying "we think" or "we believe." There's safety in numbers, they think.
7. Opting for Comfort Over Risk: We are all guilty of this. It is much easier, less stressful, and simply cozier if we stick to what we like, what makes us comfortable.
8. Reacting Rather than Responding: This is another one that is easy for us all to fall into. Reaction is often the result of self-protection, a knee-jerk reflex. Reaction does not take into consideration the results it will bring about, which often worsen the situation and prove to be destructive. It is panic mode. It is short-term thinking.
9. Inability to Dream: Unfortunately, the church too regularly either stifles a dream, dreams small dreams, or chooses not to dream at all.
10. Expecting Leaders to "Do" Discipleship for Members: Let's face it, church members to not pay their pastors – and other church leaders - to be good on their behalf! But how often do we actually see this play out? Members come to worship and other discipleship-training events in the church, but when it comes to actually living out the faith, some believe that is the pastor's job
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