The anxiety may originate in our family or work setting. Times of change such as we are experiencing in the Mennonite Church are bound to create some anxiety. When we neglect or try to ignore our disappointments and fears, our feelings may get expressed in unexpected settings. When numerous people in a congregation experience disappointment or fear, it can result in collective anxiety that spills over into the whole body. When several congregations have a significant number of anxious members, the whole conference or even denomination can feel the effects.
Anxious leaders beget anxious congregations.
When anxiety arises among the members, leaders can expect some of the anxiety will be directed toward them. Anxious people often find the leader to be an easy target for their fears and anxieties. Witness the treatment of Moses, the prophets, Jesus, Paul, our Anabaptist forebears, and leaders in every generation of the church of Jesus. Mennonite pastors need to also expect they will become the object of people's anxieties. Leaders must remember they are called to shepherd the body, and seek its well being, even when it may stretch them out of their comfort zone.