What About the Church??

Yes there is drama in the church! Lots of it! By now, we are all well aware of the scandal that has rocked Atlanta's mega church New Birth and it's Bishop Eddie Long. Initially I was going to make the blog about his inexcusable behavior. I think my space would be better utilized by me stating how things like this blight the church as a whole. It is not an African American church crisis, it is a church crisis. It is just one of many issues plaguing the church.


As parishioners, we have to be careful not to esteem our church leaders to a place reserved solely for God. Too many times, we place too much emphasis on the church leader as opposed to the church ministry. The church is not the pastor, it is the body. When the pastor stumbles, which he will, because he too, is simply a sinner saved by grace, the work of the church must continue. In Long's case, I believe he needs to sit down until his issues are worked out. He needs to be ministered to and encouraged. Souls still need to be saved, baby Christians still need to be nourished in order for growth, and other successful ministries still need to thrive.


The problem with church leaders falling from a place of grace, is it is really damaging for the testimony of church and the church body as a whole. One, we look like hypocrites. Two, there are folks struggling with their identity in Christ(as well as other areas) and some of the messages that the Bible teaches.  Third, we really don't want to send baby Christians in the wrong direction.

Some of our greatest damaging behavior occurs in the church. The church is not a social club for saved folks, it is supposed to be a hospital for sinners. According to the Word, "All have sinned and fallen short"(Romans 3:23) So we are all sinners in need of God's mercy and grace. So, none of us saved for a really long time folks, have the right to judge those who took a little longer in their journey to get to know Christ. Perfect example, you are in your finest threads, dressed to the nines, church hat cocked to the side and in walks a scruffy looking brother or sister in jeans and t-shirt. How do you react? Do you welcome with open arms? or do you pull your purse closer and act as if there is no room on your row? Heck, I've been dressed real cute and had people who felt entitled to "their seat" not move. What happened to the love? Love is the true basis for the church's existence.

We know lots of folks attend to church because it is simply the right thing to do. They zip in and zip out with no regard for real ministry. Ministry means you are dealing with people and showing them love care and concern to meet a need. Some people only open their Bibles in church. There is a fundamental problem with that. One, how can you test what you are being taught if you don't know what Christ said for yourself. Two, what if your church leader has personal bias on a particular subject. Or maybe their interpretation is off. God told us to search the scriptures for ourselves. (1 John 4:1 or 2 Timothy 2:15)

Oh, I could go on and on about what does and doesn't go on in the church. The church has been relegated to a place of minimal importance in our society. Pastors are exposed for lewd and evil deeds daily. The church isn't dealing with real issues and in many cases has become tolerant and blase about serious moral issues. More and more, the church resembles the world at large. What a sad commentary!

I leave you with this thought. Ezekiel 18:24(CEV) states, "But when good people start sinning and doing disgusting things, will they live? No! All their good deeds will be forgotten, and they will be put to death because of their sins." This passage was quoted by my brother last week in response to the Eddie Long scandal. I loved it! While it certainly applies to any leader, it also applies to us as Christians. We can be doing a ton of good for God but what people remember is the bad stuff. I know the Bible tells us that "only what you do for Christ will last."  Another instance of church view versus world view. People remember the bad stuff, Christ only remembers what we do for Him.

Wouldn't it be something if Christ still smote people? Nothing like an Ananias and Sapphira experience(read it for yourself in Acts 5) to straighten up the on-lookers or other members of the church. If you are a Christian do your friends know it? Can they tell by your lifestyle? Take some time to get your testimony/legacy in order. The church suffers when our walk is suspect. Lord knows we don't need that in light of priests molesting boys, gay marriage and no prayer in schools. Enough really is enough! What do you think? Is the church effective? Would Christ be pleased? Please share! Till next time, be a blessing!

Copyright September 30, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe