The Hurting Church

This week I spoke with a very dear friend.  She and her family have been hurt by a church.  I would say she now finds herself as a member of an unofficial club ... those of us who have been, just like my dearie, spiritually injured.

I can't tell you how many people I have encountered in my lifetime ... shoot, just this week ... who have issues with "the church." I know those who refuse church attendance because to go to church would mean doing so with a bunch of "hypocrites." I know people who can't bear the intolerance of the religious.  I know people who find church only suitable for the weak and feeble minded.  I know people who won't go to a large church because it's cold and impersonal.  I know others who won't go to a small church because everyone gossips.  It doesn't end.  The sad part is I could add my own reasons for not going to church based on my past experiences.

But ... I'm in good company.  So could Jesus.  If you take a look at any of the four Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) you will find Jesus having numerous run ins with the religious leaders.  I hope to suggest that these keepers of their religious traditions were not members of  "the church."  They were holders of traditions and attempts to know God by following man made laws.  Their faith was fully grounded in their effort, their standing, their knowledge of God but not a heart that had been arrested by the alarming reality of His life-changing love!

I will not attempt to define "the church" by theological discussions, historical facts, stories of great reformations or famous missionary journeys.  I simply define "the church" as a group of imperfect human beings who profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ.  No boundaries, no barriers ... just those who are united by faith in the son of God.

Now, before I dig a hole and you put me in it, let me give you an alternative picture of what I see as "the church."  This Saturday night a core group of university students sponsored a Cafe night.  We had food.  We had live music.  We sat around tables and ate, and laughed, and drank coffee, and told stories.  Those at my table were not all members of "the church."  Many had formed their own judgments against it ... and that's OK.  As some of us sat around, listening to their stories, we shared our vision for what "the church" is supposed to look like.  No one scoffed.  They were interested.  They were interested in God ... not in religious tradition or man made efforts to know Him.

Yesterday, I heard a brilliant thing.  As I was sitting in my church, a man said that we all have many identities:  spouse, parents, son/daughter, co-worker, citizen.  However, those of us who are "the church" have one identity that trumps all others:  child of God.  As a child of God, I want to assemble with others who share my passion for His Son.  As a child of God, I want others to know of this amazing relationship.  As a child of God, if I let one of the secondary identities take front and center ... I take the risk of being someone within "the church" who will hurt others.  If I find my identify in being a great (fill in the blank) and not a humble child ... I will hurt others.

To those of you who have been hurt ... I'm sorry.  I'm sorry that we humans often loose our heads and forget our true identity. I would encourage you that after 25 years of following Jesus, I have ... and will continue to be ... hurt by those within "the church."  However, I have not ... nor I pray I never ... let mere humans take away my identify ... nor my view of a wholly, loving God who desires to share His love ... and demonstrate His love through "the church."  He trumps everything.

Wherever you find yourself in this scenario ... I pray that we all discover more and more of this God who dynamically transforms our lives.  My hope is that I daily operate under the knowledge and truth of my true identity.  May you discover your true identity, too!