When fear prevents healthy change.
The slippery slope argument is often used in churches in response to changes or new initiatives. It is usually an argument used when someone is fearful or anxious about an action being a road to harm or evil. However, is it a valid argument and is it useful? It is useful in the sense, that it can get you to slow down and evaluate the potential consequences of a course of action. At the same time, it can also be a way for illogical fears to hinder healthy progress. In one sense, all change and all endeavours can be a potential slippery slope to something unhealthy and improper. For instance, did you know that eating can be a slippery slope to gluttony? Perhaps a far better way is to evaluate changes, actions and new initiatives, within a congregation, on the basis of their own merit and to regularly evaluate their progress if implemented. As long as something fits within a biblical framework, is properly monitored and has the potential to promote congregational wellbeing, why not give it a go?
