Build trust

About 12 years ago the Muttart Foundation, a private foundation based in Edmonton, commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct a survey on public opinion that measured Canadians’ attitudes towards charities (including churches).

Ipsos Reid found that 33 percent of Canadians trusted churches only “a little” or “not at all” (their two lowest categories for measuring trust). Religious organizations like charities and denominations (not local churches) found themselves worse off, with 52 percent of the population lacking trust in them. Recent surveys indicate no improvement.

Spoken positively, the data indicates that local churches are working from a stronger position than their parent organizations (denominations). To say this another way, over half of Canadians do not trust Christian organizations beyond their neighborhood church. This is critical to be aware of, dear reader, this month when denominational gatherings are being held. The Presbyterian Church of Canada is meeting now in Waterloo, Ontario while the CRCNA will meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And there is a lot at stake in each meeting. Both of them are dealing with “withdrawing congregations’’ as a reality.

How to make a denominational decision

I would dare say that the best thing both denominations could do at this time is to be guided by the question: “Is our action going to gain trust or lose trust among our stakeholders?” If the answer is “Yes, it will build trust,” it’s likely the right decision. Unfortunately, far too often decisions made at these denominational gatherings are not won or lost in regards to trust-building. They are won or lost based on politicking, frustrated outbursts, erratic or intermittent use of ecclesial rules, and less and less biblical conversation. The world’s practices have come to roost in what was meant to be a time of spiritual discernment.

But it need not be that way. Instead, one of the greatest trust-building practices for any Christian community board or council is to maintain the practice of ‘in-camera’ sessions. That is a time when minutes are no longer being recorded, no formal decisions are made, yet conversation space is given for all. During those short in-camera sessions, ask: How is our work in this meeting tied to our goals and objectives as a Christian community? Do the outcomes of this meeting and our work as leaders build trust amongst our constituents? The answers to these questions, if taken seriously, will be revolutionary.

The trust miracle

It is the thrust of these questions that Executive Director Michael McCain took seriously in 2008 when Maple Leaf Foods had to deal with a deadly strain of listeria in their luncheon meats. Against all the predominant advice pressuring him to “say whatever it takes to protect shareholders ($),” he stared at the television screen and communicated his deep regret, Maple Leaf Foods’ responsibility and a commitment to do better. And certain failure turned to organizational success in just three business quarters! It was a miracle. Good organizations, good Christian communities, good churches and denominations take time to build trust through transparency, honesty and action. Healthy organizations and boards don’t need to say “trust me” – they are simply trustworthy. It is the recipe for long-term stability.

May God bless the efforts of our leaders. As a Canadian Christian, I want to trust them.