I love First MB. I love the people and I love what God is doing among us. So many great things are happening.
Despite all the good things happening, though, we all know that no church is perfect. It’s been said that pastors know more good and more bad about their church than anyone else. Whether that’s true or not, this statement is: in every church there are good things going on…and bad things going on. Such is life.
Here’s my little thought: Christians ought to love the Church despite its state of brokenness and dysfunction because Christ created the Church and He loves her despite her flaws.
I was talking with a friend last month. He used to attend a church, but, like so many, got frustrated with the politics, arguments, and dysfunction, and felt like his time would be better spent elsewhere…or at least not there. (By the way, statistics show that roughly 40% of the folks who leave the church do so out of frustration with the pastor or church and the other 60% leave because their “life situation” changes – they got too busy, changed jobs, moved, got divorced, etc.)
Which brings me back to my little thought: I am committed to loving the Church (and First MB) despite the sin and dysfunction. Should we work together on dealing with the “issues?” Of course. But I absolutely know that Christ sees all the ugliness (and more) and still loves His Church. So I will, too.
In the meantime, keep loving Jesus. Read your Bible and pray. Try not to sin. Love everyone (no exceptions).
While I was waiting for communion yesterday morning it really struck me how connected I am to the community of FMBC. I often repeat a phrase that is derived from something else that goes “I am they and they are me.” Sometimes I don’t realize how deep that runs until I start thinking maybe I should look for another place, or until I’ve “dropped out” for a couple of weeks. I feel committed to something beyond me here, which is what I pray for others — that they will find a faith community that can inspire them to that kind of commitment.
true, true, true. The fact that we are so human makes the church so great and the fact that we are so human makes the church so hard. You are doing an amazing job showing us YOUR human side, making our own shortfalls much clearer in perspective. Powerful message and delivery last Sun(26th). Thank you for pushing forward to meet our needs w/ meat and not just bread and milk.
Despite.
C