When it comes to people’s experience with church, I’ve heard countless stories of disappointment, betrayal, hurt, confusion or neglect. I get it. After 45 years of attending church as a Christian, most of those serving as a pastor, I have my own stories. I’ve worked to put them behind me, but sometimes they still rise up to haunt me. So, I get how real the hurt is, including the hurt that I have caused as a church member or leader.
I know that it’s considered fair game today to knock the church. Many in recent decades have painted a bleak picture of the institution using broad strokes colored by anger, hostility, disappointment and disillusionment. Some Christians have gone so far as to give up on the church. They now live on the fringes, disengaged or completely disconnected.
I considered that option on more than a few occasions. But here’s what kept me from bailing - I love the church. No apologies. No qualifiers. I LOVE THE CHURCH!
I’m talking the big “C” church, the universal church, but also about the little “c” church, and more specifically, about Fellowship Bible Church. As a church established on the foundational, essential doctrines of Christianity, we are a small expression of the larger church. And we are made up of the same kind of people, those who are faithful and, at the same time, flawed.
A Bible study on the church leads to almost entirely good news. Religion regularly gets a bad rap in the Bible, but the church doesn’t.
The New Testament writers never shied away from criticizing members of the church when they needed correction. We’d barely have a New Testament without that. But Paul, John, and the others make a very real distinction. Even when they offer scathing criticism to individual believers, church leaders, and local congregations, they are effusive in their expressions of love for the body of Christ.
When Jesus walked this planet, he started only one organization, and it’s called the church. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matt. 16:18 NLT). Christ loves the church. He gave his life for her.
How can we pursue a growing love for the Church, even our church? Here are three thoughts:
- Be Patient
As Americans, we are typically impatient in transitions and with change. We demand goals and actions that fit our wants and expectations.
That may work for some things, but not for growing in love with his church. It takes time and intention, spending time, sharing a meal, asking deep questions, listening well, serving, giving, forgiving, confronting, and connecting. Only then do we see past the pain to the person, to the best in others, and to what “works” in the church.
Little by little, we all stand in need of being changed from the inside out. That kind of change requires patience with ourselves and each other.
- Be Prayerful
Praying for the church, for each other, draws us closer. It binds our hearts to his and to each other’s. Jesus prayed fervently and repeatedly for unity in the body.
Prayer is a means to fulfilling his command to be one. Prayer is communion. It’s connection. By it, our hearts are conformed, changed to beat for the things God’s heart beats for. Prayer is a posture before God of surrender, of giving our past and our pain to God. It’s asking for help and for healing. In turn, prayer enables us to see the church not from the perspective of the world or even our own experiences, but through his eyes and with his heart.
- Be Persistent
Don’t give up on Christ or his body, the church. Don’t disengage or leave the big “C” Church because of the hurts a particular church, or its people have caused. Jesus Christ knows all about hurt. And still, Jesus spilled his blood for the Church. For me and for you and for the people we struggle with.
How can I turn away from what he gave his life for? How can I run from what he established and desires to use to display his grace? May we persistently serve the church and grow in community, so we can put his love and grace on full display for the world of cynics and skeptics.
If you find a perfect church, don’t join it. You’ll mess it up! There is no such place. The church is made up of flawed people, people like you and me who are in process. Just find a place, a people where you can commit yourself, be yourself, and experience the messy miracle of being part of God’s forever family.
I love Jesus, and I love his church - his flock, his bride, the household of faith, the body of Christ. I need both. I’m bound to each. One holds the power to save, and the other the resources to grow my faith and bring purpose, meaning, and joy to my life.
Let’s be patient with one another, pray for one another, and let’s hang in there and not settle for less than what God has designed and desires for his church. Let’s love even as he loves!