Jesus' Surprising Grievance Policy
Matthew 18:15-20 Today we are looking at the Church’s grievance policy! And that might sound very contemporary, risk averse and dry. But the astonishing thing is that Jesus gave his followers a grievance policy 2000 years ago – and modern organisations could do far worse than making Matthew 18 the basis of their policy. There are a number of challenging elements to what Jesus says. 1. We are part of a recognisable community of believers , with real bonds, responsibilities and boundaries. Our reading speaks of being a ‘member’ of the people of God. The Greek speaks of being a ‘brother’ or a ‘sister’ within the Christian community. It is a family term We are not simply isolated individuals who happen to believe similar things. we are brothers and sisters who belong to one another. Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Church is open to everyone. To become part of the family of God is not to do anything – it is not to pay a subscription, it is not to pass a test – but it is t...