The Core Effect

Being of a certain age I find myself watching and even doing exercise DVD's. Each of them enphasizes the "core". It seems that if the core muscles are not strong then we are in for some unpleasant reactions from our backs. And given the ever increasing aches and pains in my back, I am sure my core is a bit weak. So now I am paying close attention to tightening up those core muscles, thinking far too much about where my belly button is (should be heading toward the spine through our abdomens...who knew?), and making sure my shoulders are aligned over my hips. Like it isn't enough just to stand up and walk these days!

Again as I work more on getting my body healthy I am also more aware of how closely what is happening or needs to be happening in my physical body relates to the spiritual body of the mainline church.

If all strength comes from the core in our body, isn't the same true in the church? Think about your congregation and how much "work" or "attention" is paid to the core - Jesus Christ. This is work that each individual member must do. No one can exercise and strengthen my core muscles. I must do that for myself. So too it is that the pastor cannot strengthen the members' core muscles. A stong church body has members with strong cores.

Spiritual formation and development works on that core and yet many Protestant churches don't offer ideas, workshops, teachings on this let alone even know how to go about this. For many church members spiritual formation ended in Sunday School at about age 12. And if you are new to the church, it may never have happened in any formal way at all. The weakness of this core contributes to many of the "breakdowns" that churches experience in terms of declining attendance, increased conflict and plateauing energy.

What does your church's core strengthening exercise routine look like? Do the members get a good work out, pay attention to how they walk, notice where their core is and square themselves up on a good firm foundation? Without one over time the muscles get weak, flabby and stop supporting the structure.

Begin a conversation with your members on this topic, listen to their concerns about their faith journey, advocate for a core strengthening routine and share yours with them. And just as our bodies are not all the same size and shape neither are our spiritual needs. More next time on this!

Happy Body Building.
Nancy