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Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Of church accountability, a personal note
I have received numerous emails from people who have lost faith in the Church. Extra biblical doctrines, emotionalism, self indulgence, dominion theology, replacement theology and for many other reasons, good people are leaving church. Its a tough issue. Recently, a person wrote me who was in dire need, had went to not only their home church, but also several others in the community for help, but received none. I'm talking no food on the table, no way to run a vehicle, no way to keep the lights on dire need. Turned away by the church. Another loyal servant was working with a homeless person to help him get a place to live, a job, become productive again--he ran afoul of church leadership.
If you have been around church long enough, especially if you are in church leadership, you likely have been hurt. So many good people with tremendous talent that could be used on behalf of the Lord have been chewed up and spit out by the church. I have received emails where pastors have attacked church workers for the smallest of things. I know of an incident where the pastor accused a loyal worker of most horrible things, created a hostile environment, caused him to leave, only to find out that none of it was true. When apologies were made, the damage already had been done. It helps to check out all sides of a story before taking action.
Pastors have a lot on their minds. Its a thankless job. Pastors should be given a lot of grace. They are pastoring because they believe the Lord has called them to it. They are human, they will make mistakes. But I know from being hired by several ministries to help in conflict resolution or reputation restoration that church is often a reflection of the home. If their home is divided and chaotic, chances are their church will be divided and chaotic. If there is suspicion in the home, there will be suspicion in the church. If there is lack of charity at home, charity will be lacking in the ministry. Likewise with grace. Conversely, if home life is appropriately balanced, church life will reflect that.
The Apostle Paul spoke of this in 1 Timothy 3:3-5 regarding church leadership: "Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)." Pastor's spouses can also be a source of problems if they are not in alignment with the word of God. A lot of challenges with the church. The best way to handle them is to be direct, in love. Jesus says in Matthew 18:15 that the first step is "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone..." Next step is go with company; next step to the church. Final step, you have done what you can. But remember its not God that is the problem.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
PS. Please use the forward link below to pass this on to as many people as you can!
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