Reflection Questions

1. Fischer observes that "when an anxious situation is presented, many people prefer to react to the anxious situation than to address its cause and explore solutions."
   
   Do you agree? What are some examples of reacting that you've encountered in your congregation? Were people able to move beyond reacting and seek solutions? If so, what made the difference?



2. Fischer states that an important key to leadership "is the ability to not become emotionally entangled by a congregation's anxious responses."
   
   As a congregational leader, have there been times when you were able to not become entangled? What did you do in those instances? What resources did you draw upon for strength during anxious times?



3. Fischer's discussion of anxiety and addiction points out that—like addicts who seek relief from the pain of their addiction by becoming more addicted—highly anxious individuals in congregations often "join together in unhealthy anxiety-based relationships" as a defense against their fear. Then, if one person in the anxious group is confronted, the entire group reacts.
   
   Have you experienced such "anxiety-based" groups in your congregation? If so, what was that like? How have you responded?



4. Fischer believes that an important principle for anxiety management is understanding God's grace. When individuals know and trust that God will always be there, then their fear of abandonment will start to subside. He says that "to the degree to which the church is able to effectively proclaim and internalize grace in all its doings and help affirm that God is surely with them—always, every where, every day—anxiety will be reduced and church health will increase."
   
   What are your thoughts about the capacity of God's grace to cast out anxiety? While grace is a gift, how might your congregation become more open to the experience and expression of grace? What practices support the recognition and appreciation of God's presence and grace among us?