A church of fear

"Creating a culture of fear in your ministry is not good news. It’s fools gold. It might draw some people but you’re drawing the wrong people. This is a major reason you can’t do anything in your church– you’ve drawn a crowd of scared people."--Adam McLane

I don't have much to add to that statement.  There are a number of churches out there, right now, that are creating a culture of fear.  Some are local, some are far away.  It ranges from fear of liberals or conservatives, to fear of gay people, to fear of God (as, in, breath wrong and God will strike you dead!) to fear of Muslims or Mormons or "those people who want to take away our Christian rights" or anyone who might be different than what your ideal of life or humanity or Christianity or church might be.  We are a fear-filled society and our churches and church leaders reflect that at times.  I lived it in my job for awhile...and then I got mad.  That's not a good combo.  It's sad when churches stop being effective because they are so afraid of "those people out there". 

I'm looking for a church that operates out of love, hope, compassion and grace.  I haven't found it yet.  At the moment I'm settling for a church where leaders are actually willing to tackle some big problems...and I'm hoping that the loud, angry voices don't squash the progress.