Really like this piece, thx. I noticed your use of ideas like “center stage,” etc., and I wonder if it’s going to be hard to back away from the idea that “Church” is a theater with actors/”leaders” we sit and watch.

This idea that “church” is life-training, etc., can’t happen if we’re sitting listening to some guy (or gal) yap and yap, with implicit pressure on them to get colorful, creative, controlling. Can problem pastors be blamed for using power over others?- the congregants gave it to them eagerly.