2. Flat characters.
Flat characters play a bigger part than extras—they get lines! But they are only there for the main characters to play off of.
Flat characters serve the development of the main characters, but don’t develop themselves. Their role is subservient to the role of the more important people.
Who do you view as flat characters?
Your administrative staff?
Your A/V team?
Longtime members who have hung around but haven’t gotten very involved?
No church has flat characters.
Everyone has pain and joy, hopes and dreams. Everyone is on some path of character development: They are either being hardened or softened to the things of God. Whatever direction they are heading, as pastors we need to guide each of them with the gospel.
To think of them as flat is to view your individual sheep as a mere means to your goals for your church.
3. Caricatures.
Caricatures are main characters who are not well-rounded.
They are either good or bad. They fit a given personality type and never divert from it. If you need an example, think of the entire cast of Downton Abbey.
Pastors are susceptible to viewing members of their church in such a black and white fashion.
