The Stained Glass Cliff
Someone once told Sara that women often close congregations because women are less likely to engage in difficult conversations. She responded,
“Maybe - just maybe - these churches close instead of fizzle precisely because the women pastors are leading difficult conversations.
And maybe - just maybe - there are some systemic factors at play.”
These systemic issues are why Diane wrote about the stained glass cliff for Faith & Leadership Magazine. She shared Lorrin’s story of closing two churches before age thirty —- but she could just have easily have highlighted Chelsey’s story of closing one church in seminary and another church immediately after seminary.
The article, “How to avoid falling off the “stained-glass cliff” when leading a dying church,” highlights the disproportionate impact that church closure has on women, young people, and first-call pastors.
We also believe that there are disproportionate impacts by race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation as well -- even if the research isn't there yet to confirm it.
Read the article by clicking on the image below — and share with a friend if it resonates with you!
And whatever your gender, if you're ready to lead difficult conversations in your church, region, or denomination, the Good Friday Collaborative is here to help.
AI Illustration of a “Stained Glass Cliff” by Jessamyn Rubio for Faith and Leadership magazine
Have you fallen off of a stained glass cliff? Share your story by booking a discovery call now!
