This slide introduces the topics that will be examined below.



As can be seen from this slide, trust is a major factor in all kinds of relationships.
In fact, trust is a major factor in Christian faith since the Greek word for faith, belief, and trust are the same, namely, h pistis - he pistis.

The last question on this slide is important!

It is important to note that trust exists on a number of levels and impacts our lives in a number of different ways as indicated in the slide above.



Sometimes we take trust for granted!
However, we will learn that trust does not just happen, it has to be managed.
Trust will always involve an element of risk, for in human relations, we all too often fail.

What we find that is interesting in this trust business is that trust is not a single one sided element, it is multifaceted and always involves both trust and distrust.
We would hope that trust outweighs distrust, but this is not always the case.
When distrust outweighs trust then problems, often major or serious problems arise.
These problems involve angry encounters, division, and sometimes divorce!

The major point we want to make here is that trust is bipolar, the poles being trust and distrust.
The following slide demonstrates this bipolar aspect of trust.




Notice the four emphases in this slide:
1)  Trust is bipolar - we have already commented on this
2)  There is always an element of ambivalence in trust relationships
3)  There are several facets to trust relationships, hence trust relationships are multifaceted and
     sometimes complicated
4)  In the diagram above, the two-dimensional aspect of trust is on a continuum between Solid Trust and
     Distrust. 
     We control where we are on that continuum.
     The dangers of too much stress on management tends to lead to Distrust.
     Most of the time we spend between the two extremes.
     Shallow trust leads to suspicion.
     Deep trust results in confidence.
     We need to work to where the dimension of Trust is stronger than that of Distrust.



This slide draws on corporate studies.
Another way of looking at the trust factor is to see that there are two factors to trust:
1)  A side in which we move between High Trust and Low Trust
2)  Another in which we move between High Distrust and Low Distrust
3)  This presents four quadrants which we have numbered 1, 2, 3, 4.
4)  It is obvious that # 1 is not where one wants to be, for in this quadrant we have a dysfunctional
    organization
5)  # 2 is better than #1 but manifests a number of problems such as no confidence, apathy and
    frustration on the part of its workers
6)  # 3 is workable, some empowerment takes place, but control is the main issue here
7)  # 4 is much better where we have Low Distrust and High Trust.

The next slide translates this into a church dynamic.



In this chart we focus on Leadership Style.
We range from a Dysfunctional Leadership model through an Autocratic Leadership, a Moderate Empowerment Leadership, to a Participative Leadership.
It is important for congregations to find where they are on this continuum of leadership and to take steps to move toward an Empowering Leadership.



We pay specific attention here to areas in which little trust is manifest.
This demonstrates itself in who makes the decisions!

Signs of distrust normally manifest themselves in tight control and management rather than leadership.



Trust is evidenced in participative decision making, empowerment, and confidence.
Whenever empowerment is evidenced, some form of accountability and responsibility must be managed.
The key to this management of accountability is not to let this slide into control!



There are a number of factors that destroy trust.
Care should be taken to safeguard against these.



We can demonstrate the development of a dysfunctional setting by the "domino" effect of a breakdown of communication (when people or groups are not talking meaningfully with one another) which gradually leads to dysfunction.
The key to this deterioration of trust is to address the problem as early as possible.

If nothing is done and the situation deteriorates then ultimately division deveelops and conflict mediation becomes necessary.



Romans 14 and 15 are key passages in examining a breakdown of trust and what it takes to restore trust.



There are a number of factors that help build trust.
One must initially aim at Integrity.
Integrity is like being "transparent" where what people see on the outside is what is on the inside.
When what people see on th outside is not what is on the inside, we have hypocrisy, or play acting at life!
Practicing the values itemized above helps develop trust.
Someone has said it takes a lifetime to build a savings account but one careless day to empty it!
Trust is like building a savings account by regular and consistent deposits into one trust account!



Trust is building relationships.
Building relationships takes time and conscious effort.
The chart suggests a number of ways that congregations or groups can go about building trust.



This chart is an amusing illustration of trust-distrust situations and trust-trust situations!