The grumbling and conflict are shown all the way back to the early church in the book of Acts. Just like me. And by His grace, she is also a picture of His redemption, and His unending love and mercy. In her brokenness and imperfection she is a picture of our deep need for Him. The beautiful, messy bride of Christ-That He loves. *And I have seen the church show up for us in our darkest days *I have seen the church love the ones who feel forgotten *I have seen the church walk people through addictions, broken marriages, and job losses *I have seen faithful servants and leaders persevere week after week for years, to clean, teach, greet, serve, cook, preach, run sound, lights, media, lead worship, rock babies, lead our youth, mow the grass, paint, and use all their gifts, talents, and time to help others discover Christ *I have seen the church introduce people to Jesus for the very first time, changing their lives forever * I have seen the church pray for and dedicate hundreds of babies and children including my own *I have seen the church weep with me as a I wrestled through grief and distress * I have seen the church bring countless meals to people after surgeries or illness * I have seen the church give and serve abundantly to needs in the community and abroad *the church encircle my brother’s house in prayer as he lay inside dying of cancer If I looked at the faults alone, it would be like looking at my husband, children, and friends only through the lens of their faults and I would miss out on so many beautiful and wonderful qualities.
#Radiant life church az full
But, those experiences are not the full picture of the church. Sometimes it has seemed more like an episode of “Days of Our Lives” than a chapter from the Book of Acts. If you have experienced it too, I’m very sorry. So,yes, I understand when people have been wounded in or by church. *I’ve seen people feel unnoticed, unloved, and unacceptable
*I have seen people hurt by leaders and I’ve seen leaders hurt by people. *I have seen adultery, abuse, and dishonesty. *I have experienced the criticism of my pastor husband for everything from the volume of the music to accusations that he hates children. * I have seen churches split and friends turn their backs on one another because they were more quick to believe lies than to ask questions birthed from love and concern. * I have seen leaders judged when their children messed up. * I have seen people look with disgust at someone who wasn’t dressed “appropriately” for a service. * I have seen my close family members deeply wounded by gossip, lies, and judgment as they went through divorces.
On the contrary, I have had a front row seat on many occasions to the messiness. Nor do I get a guilt-free pass for having played a part in any of these things at one point or another! I grew up in church and even before life in ministry, I have seen what sometimes happens. I am not blind or immune to the faults, hypocrisy, or wounds inflicted by/in the church because I am married to a pastor. Isn’t that a requirement for people like you? ”Īctually, I could tell you plenty of reasons I could be sitting bitterly behind my computer, writing all the reasons I hate the church.
You may have read that title and thought “you’re a pastor’s wife, Crystal.
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