A letter from the congregation at Smyrna that depicts a church divided along socioeconomic and political lines, while maintaining unity in most of their leadership expectations.

Letter from the Congregation at Smyrna to Their Leaders

The letter portrays a congregation in Smyrna with two distinct groups:

1. The Accommodated: Wealthier members who have found ways to cooperate with imperial authorities
2. The Resistant: Materially poorer members who actively resist imperial demands

These groups share perspectives on 12 GLOBE dimensions but differ sharply on three key dimensions:

Areas of Agreement (12 dimensions):

• Power Distance
• Institutional Collectivism
• In-Group Collectivism
• Gender Egalitarianism
• Future Orientation
• Humane Orientation
• Charismatic Leadership
• Team-Oriented Leadership
• Participative Leadership
• Self-Protective Leadership
• Status Consciousness
• Autonomous Leadership

Areas of Sharp Difference (3 dimensions):

1. Uncertainty Avoidance (Cultural)
   • The Accommodated prefer stability, predictability, and detailed guidance
   • The Resistant embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and adaptability
2. Assertiveness (Cultural)
   • The Accommodated value diplomatic, indirect communication to avoid danger
   • The Resistant prefer bold, direct confrontation of truth regardless of risk
3. Performance Orientation (Leadership)
   • The Accommodated define excellence as strategic wisdom and sustainability
   • The Resistant define excellence as unwavering courage and immediate obedience

Leadership Challenges

The letter illustrates how these differences create practical dilemmas for church leaders.

• Speaking cautiously satisfies one group while appearing as compromise to the other
• Detailed guidance about navigating imperial demands comforts one group while constraining the other
• Praising strategic discretion affirms one group while raising questions of courage for the other

This example demonstrates how cultural and leadership preferences within the same congregation can create genuine dilemmas for leaders, particularly when these preferences align with deeply held convictions about faithfulness in challenging contexts.

The letter connects these leadership dynamics to the Smyrna church’s situation in Revelation 2:8-11, where Jesus acknowledges their “tribulation and poverty” and warns of coming persecution, adding historical authenticity to the illustration.

Letter from the Congregation at Smyrna to Their Leaders

From the persevered faithful of the Church at Smyrna to our respected elders and shepherds,

Honoured leaders whom Christ has appointed among us,

We write with one voice yet divided hearts, having received and contemplated the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as delivered by His servant John. His acknowledgement of our tribulation and poverty (though we are rich in Him) strengthens us, and His warning of coming suffering prepares our spirits for the trials ahead.

As we seek to remain faithful unto death to receive the crown of life, we recognise the complexity of leading our congregation in these perilous times. The political divisions and economic disparities among us create challenges for your leadership that we wish to address openly.

Our congregation consists of two distinct groups: those with relative wealth who have accommodated the imperial authorities (whom we shall call the “Accommodated”), and those living in material poverty who resist imperial demands (whom we shall call the “Resistant”). While we share many values as followers of Christ, our differences on certain matters create tension that affects how we receive your leadership.

We offer these reflections on our shared understanding of leadership, followed by an acknowledgment of our differences, so that you might shepherd us with wisdom in this time of trial:

OUR AREAS OF AGREEMENT

1. Regarding Power Distance: Both groups respect clear lines of authority within the church. We believe God has established order through appointed leaders, and we expect you to exercise this authority with confidence. When you speak with authority derived from Scripture and tradition, all among us feel secure in your leadership.

2. Regarding Institutional Collectivism: We unanimously value the primacy of our church community over individual concerns. All of us believe decisions should benefit the body as a whole, and we willingly surrender personal preferences for the good of our fellowship. When you emphasise our shared identity in Christ, both groups respond with commitment.

3. Regarding In-Group Collectivism: We share deep loyalty to our immediate church family. All members expect special care for those within our congregation while remaining open to seekers. When you recognise the sacrifices members make for one another, regardless of faction, all feel affirmed.

4. Regarding Gender Egalitarianism: Both groups understand men and women to have complementary roles according to Scripture. We look to you to uphold appropriate distinctions in leadership responsibilities while honouring the contributions of both men and women.

5. Regarding Future Orientation: All members value careful planning balanced with trust in God’s providence. We expect thoughtful preparation for coming tribulations while maintaining focus on present faithfulness. Your clear vision for enduring persecution encourages both groups.

6. Regarding Humane Orientation: We unanimously value compassion and care within our community. Both groups appreciate when you demonstrate kindness balanced with truth, offering mercy to the suffering while maintaining standards of righteousness.

7. Regarding Charismatic Leadership: We all respect leaders who inspire through their godly character and courage. Both groups are drawn to those whose lives demonstrate unwavering faith in Christ, especially in the face of persecution. Your visible faithfulness inspires our own.

8. Regarding Team-Oriented Leadership: All members value leaders who work together in unity. Both groups appreciate your coordinated leadership that presents unified guidance, particularly when external threats seek to divide us.

9. Regarding Participative Leadership: Both groups appreciate appropriate consultation on matters affecting the congregation. We value having our perspectives considered while recognising that ultimate decisions rest with appointed leaders.

10. Regarding Self-Protective Leadership: We understand the necessity for leaders to maintain appropriate boundaries. Both groups recognise your need to protect the sustainability of your ministry, especially under threat of persecution.

11. Regarding Status Consciousness: All members believe honour should be given where Scripture dictates. Both groups expect appropriate recognition of spiritual maturity and responsibility without fostering unhealthy hierarchies.

12. Regarding Autonomous Leadership: We expect leaders to act with appropriate independence when necessary. Both groups value your willingness to make difficult decisions without undue external influence, particularly regarding our stance toward imperial authorities.

OUR AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE

1. Regarding Uncertainty Avoidance (Cultural Dimension):

   • The Accommodated prefer stability and clear procedures in our community life. They value predictable worship patterns and established traditions, becoming anxious when practices change or when responses to persecution lack clear guidelines. They appreciate detailed instructions on how to navigate imperial demands while maintaining faith.

   • The Resistant embrace flexibility and adaptability in response to changing circumstances. They value spontaneity in worship and creative responses to persecution, becoming frustrated when tradition seems to limit the Spirit’s movement. They grow restless with overly detailed procedures, preferring general principles that allow for contextual application.

2. Regarding Assertiveness (Cultural Dimension):

   • The Accommodated value diplomatic and indirect communication, especially regarding political matters. They prefer gentle correction delivered with abundant courtesy, finding direct confrontation uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. They appreciate when you address sensitive issues through careful allusion and measured speech.

   • The Resistant value bold and forthright communication, even on politically dangerous topics. They prefer clear, direct statements of truth without compromise, finding indirect communication frustrating and potentially accommodating to evil. They appreciate when you speak plainly against imperial idolatry, even at personal risk.

3. Regarding Performance Orientation (Leadership Dimension):

   • The Accommodated define excellence in terms of wisdom, discretion, and sustainability. They value leaders who carefully balance faithful witness with prudent protection of the congregation. They believe effective ministry requires strategic compromise on non-essentials to preserve essential witness over time.

   • The Resistant define excellence in terms of courage, unwavering testimony, and immediate obedience regardless of cost. They value leaders who demonstrate absolute commitment to truth without calculation of consequences. They believe effective ministry requires bold confrontation of evil, trusting God with the outcomes.

These differences create significant tension within our congregation. When you lead with caution and measured speech, the Accommodated feel you are being wise while the Resistant feel you may be compromising. When you speak boldly against imperial practices, the Resistant feel encouraged while the Accommodated fear unnecessary provocation of authorities.

When you provide detailed procedures for navigating imperial demands, the Accommodated feel secure while the Resistant feel constrained. When you offer general principles and encourage Spirit-led responses, the Resistant feel empowered while the Accommodated feel abandoned.

When you praise strategic discretion in testimony, the Accommodated feel affirmed while the Resistant question your courage. When you commend bold witness regardless of consequence, the Resistant feel validated while the Accommodated question your wisdom.

We recognise the difficulty of shepherding such a divided flock in these dangerous times. Both groups sincerely desire to be faithful to Christ unto death as He has called us, though we differ on how this faithfulness should be expressed in our current situation. We trust that through your prayers and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will find ways to unite us in essential matters while allowing appropriate diversity in approach.

May the wisdom of Christ guide you as you lead us through suffering toward the crown of life.

With sincere respect and love in our Lord Jesus Christ,

The Congregation at Smyrna

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