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Before Debbie
and I moved to Texas, we found ourselves near the center of a crisis
in three different churches. Once was because the pastor, a strong
leader and a gifted speaker, had almost cultic control over most
members of the congregation. Another time a childhood friend of mine
committed a series of felonies, and his victims were youth. The
details of the third are not a matter of public record.
Those crises are
distinctly different than the problems we face now. Yet I think some
similarities exist, and lessons from them might be useful for us
today. On reflection, I can think of four:
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All three of these experiences were painful, and all the members
of the congregation hurt. This should hardly be surprising. When I
stubbed my toe, I walked differently, throwing out the alignment
of my back. Muscles in unexpected places ached. My whole body gave
physical proof to the verse that all the body suffers along with a
hurt member.
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People tend to lash out when they suffer. Times like this
are good times to learn to love one another, care for one another,
and encourage one another. We are to listen to each other, and
pray for each other.
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Leadership
always comes under scrutiny. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
In two of the cases above, it was critical to take a good at the
leadership. But caution is necessary. The Apostle Paul told
Timothy not to entertain an accusation against an elder unless two
or more witnesses showed up. I personally will not accept any more
quick or unfounded criticism of our elders. These men ought to
have our respect and support. All of us, including me, should be
praying more for them. And if we observe some weakness in one of
them, we should appeal to them as fathers, as Timothy was told to
do.
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Some people
will leave when problems appear. I hope they are doing so under
God’s direction.
At one of
the Michigan churches, few were listening to God. This brings me to
what might be the most critical problem we face here. How many of us
are listening to God’s direction for our church? I know I’ve given
personal opinions without first asking God about it. How many of us
are even taking time to pray? Or are we just too busy for God?
Two
of those churches in Michigan are stronger as a result of their
experiences. The one where few prayed is no more. God disciplines
those he loves, and we know he reproves churches. Our present
difficulties do not seem pleasant at the moment, but perhaps we will
come out much better for it.
© S. A. Miller, June 2003
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