Church is imperfect. Leaders are imperfect. You are imperfect.
And it’s really time to get over the backbiting, the bickering, and the slandering of your church. I have a better idea: what if you decided to love it?
I remember when a friend was struggling in his marriage. The feelings weren’t there. They were fighting often. Tension was high and romance was low. Do you know what turned it around? He decided to love her. He decided to appreciate her. He made a decision to romance. He learned that what you invest in, grows. What you appreciate, appreciates.
My wife had to stay home with our sick daughter this weekend. But Tyler came with me Saturday and Sunday. He hung out for all 8,000 rehearsals. We sang together. We talked to people together.
I’m glad he can grow up in a church. not a perfect church. But a church, nonetheless.
To Press In or to Withdraw?
Here’s what I’ve noticed in my own life: when I’m closest with Jesus, the less I criticize and find fault in every environment and leader around me. It’s because my attitude is in check with the Holy Spirit. It’s because I’m in a good place of humility, dependence, and pouring my life out for the Gospel.
Of course, I don’t agree with everything. Of course, imperfect people lead me, pray for me, preach to me, and lead worship. But I’m more inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt when my heart is submitted. Rather than defaulting to criticism, I pray for them, understand the struggle of ministry, and stay focused on the right things.
[bctt tweet=”Should I press in to the church or withdraw? I’d rather have a bias of pressing in.” username=”dsantistevan”]
But when I wander, when I try to live in my own strength, I start to get offended and hurt by every little thing. Rather than attending my local church out of obedience to God and a commitment to the Kingdom, I’m only concerned with how I’m served and treated.
Should I press in to the church or withdraw? I’d rather have a bias of pressing in. Of being who God has called me to be. Of loving what Jesus has chosen to love.
Worship Leaders, let’s develop a culture of musicians who are into Jesus and committed to the local church, not just the opportunity to be on a stage.
Let’s stop being nit picky about little things, and instead be leaders. Leaders who make change happen. Leaders who lead with a bias towards action and a good attitude.
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
So beautiful… Right on time. Thank you.
A-men. I went through a season of church-hopping, until I landed where I have been for the past 6 years. There were times when I was tempted to leave because “this” was missing, or there was too much of “that”, etc. However, God challenged me to be less about “what can God do for me?” and more about “what does God want to do through me?” I began to engage with the ministry and the people, to speak encouragement, to pray into those areas where there was opportunity for improvement and growth, and to seek to be His agent to make a kingdom impact on the ministry, instead of finding someplace else that I could simply line-up as a consumer to receive my weekly blessing. It has been a privilege to see how God has moved in hearts and lives (including mine) in and through this congregation. I’m so glad that I stayed.
In the perfect time where I have been having lots of questions and wandering. Thanks always David!
Amen! This is so timely in my season of life. I’d been wanting to move to another church because of hurts and differences with leaders. But God has a better plan, He is working on my behalf. Thanks! God bless you more
Our attitude is under our control. The imperfections (even stupidity) of others is not. Pressing into Jesus no matter what others are doing can be a challenge, but it is worth it.
Amen!