I met with the pastor of a smaller church this afternoon. After only a few months in his new church he is already frustrated with how a church split that happened over 20 years ago continues to impact the church and community. He shared how a group left the church over some allegations that were later proven to be false. The departing group formed a new church and joined a different denomination. The pastor stated very clearly that unless the two churches can get over their differences and come back together he did not believe either church would ever do as well as they could.
How sad. Why is it that people are so quick to believe every allegation that is made in a church? They can't even stick around long enough to determine if the allegations are true or not. In that small town I'm sure the unchurched folk heard enough from both sides of the argument to justify in their own minds their determination to stay away from church and from a religion that causes people to act ugly towards one another. What is even worse is that this scene is played out in communities all over the world. How can we ever impact the world for Jesus Christ when we can't even treat one another decently? How can we preach grace and love for all mankind when we continue to fight with our brothers and sisters?
This doesn't mean that we accept everything that is said and done. There are times when we must stand up for what is right, but that doesn't require that we are mean about it.
This new pastor already understands that the brokenness experienced by his congregation two decades earlier continues to limit their ministry effectiveness today. Is there brokenness in your church that hinders your ministry? How can that brokenness be healed? Are there ways to resolve the issues of the past that will make your church stronger now and in the future?
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