The Iceberg -- A Metaphor of Congregational Life

The image of the iceberg reminds us that much of what is going on in congregational life is "below the surface". These are dynamics that are more or less unconscious to all or some of the members. When we can name in a neutral manner some of these emotional processes, the deep interests and motivations that are at work, the system dynamics that shape the way we think and act, then we are more able to work WITH and not against these natural processes.

To push the metaphor even a bit further, sometimes the changing circumstances of a congregation cause a shifting and upturning of these unconsious processes! Then that which was below the surface rolls up to the top causing dramatic waves of outward emotion. The icberg rolls over and the whole surface experience changes---sometimes this is not a bad thing.