Building His Church Not Ours

Finding a good church is never easy. Leading our families to church is equally hard. In the current culture of instability, there is a deeply troubling trend - how easily people slide in and out of commitments. Reflecting the prevailing discontentment in our culture, people are endlessly looking for something better. But is this healthy and does it set a good example those we lead?

The simple answer is, no! As men of God and leaders, the reasons why are complex yet important for us to fully understand.

When we don't allow our roots to grow in a church home, we become critical consumers. As consumers we reserve the right to pass judgement on the products and services we use, and the companies that serve us begin to cater to our demands. This same approach in church undermines the authority of the Word of God and the leaders God has called to represent Him.

We don't go to a particluar church to decide whether that church is doing everything right, but to hear from God and humbly find out where we went wrong that week in our own lives and what we need to do to make it right. It's not about us.
It is about making sacrifices.

When we seek the "greener grass" of another church because something happens with which we disagree, we make it about ourselves and eventually we become invisible spectators. It also sets a bad example for those we lead - one that shows that we run from uncomfortable situations and disagreements.

When you were a child, did you ever make a church with your hands folded together, forefingers pointed up like a steeple and all your fingers interlocked inside? Remember opening your hands to see all the people?  Well, that’s exactly it. We are the church. You and I are the fingers and toes and eyes and ears of the body of Christ. Sometimes church gets messy.

Are there ever good reasons for leaving a church? Yes. False doctrine, unqualified leadership, absence of accountability for righteous living, lack of commitment to evangelism and discipleship — these are issues which should be considered. However, leaving a Church should not be taken lightly.

Sometimes it requires making the difficult decision to stand up for what is right and stand against what is easy - and to stop expecting churches to meet our superficial needs. Now is the time to fully commit yourself to your church in the same way that a bride commits herself to the groom - not to run away.

John Delaney

Internet & Social Media Coordinator
Florida Men of Integrity

Alpha Chi Men's Ministry Leader
Edgewater United Methodist Church
Port Charlotte, Florida

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. --Hebrews 10:24

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. --James 5:16