The Elephant in the Church: What You Don't See Can Kill Your Ministry

A church can be a dangerous place. The perils may be so obvious, they become "elephants" standing in the fellowship hall, lurking in the sanctuary, ready to spring into the pastor's study, and tromp out of the choir room. The word "elephant" stands for an obvious truth or issue that is ignored or unnamed--a blind spot. Yet we allow elephants to occupy a large amount of space in the minds and hearts of those that tiptoe around them. Discussing common blind-spots of congregations and church leaders, the authors provide examples and illustrations for how to stop these "elephants" from ruining a ministry.


About the Author
Dell, Mary Lynn: - Mary Lynn Dell, MD, DMin, is Director of Psychosomatic Medicine, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Medical Center and the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Dell is ordained clergy in the Episcopal Church USA.Stevenson-Moessner, Jeanne: - Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Dr.Theol., is a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and Professor of Pastoral Care at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. She is ordained in the PCUSA.