A few years ago I was asked to serve as an elder in my, then, church. We all understood the role to include Godly prayerful counsel to the pastor. Then when the pastor was going off the rails somewhat I was direct though lovingly so with him. That was taken as my being angry and unsupportive. Long story short he so strongly rejected the counsel I was soon removed and had no choice but to leave. Within 8 months the church dissolved as the pastor lost all vision for it. That’s not to say I was 100% right but did stand firm on what the Lord was showing me. Sometimes that’s the part we play.
Absolutely. I can’t tell you how many times I call sin for what it is and people who call themselves Christians complain I am not loving my neighbor. Agape does not always mean soft and gentle. It means genuine care and concern. If I am stern with my daughter I am showing Agape love to her. It is not unloving. Neither is calling sin for what it is and preaching the raw unadulterated truth.
Thank you for the reminder, brother. I will definitely share this post with my Christian brothers at the gym - we started a Bible study group about two years ago and it slowly continues to grow. All thanks to God for the owners allowing us to use their facilities to gather!
A few years ago I was asked to serve as an elder in my, then, church. We all understood the role to include Godly prayerful counsel to the pastor. Then when the pastor was going off the rails somewhat I was direct though lovingly so with him. That was taken as my being angry and unsupportive. Long story short he so strongly rejected the counsel I was soon removed and had no choice but to leave. Within 8 months the church dissolved as the pastor lost all vision for it. That’s not to say I was 100% right but did stand firm on what the Lord was showing me. Sometimes that’s the part we play.
Absolutely. I can’t tell you how many times I call sin for what it is and people who call themselves Christians complain I am not loving my neighbor. Agape does not always mean soft and gentle. It means genuine care and concern. If I am stern with my daughter I am showing Agape love to her. It is not unloving. Neither is calling sin for what it is and preaching the raw unadulterated truth.
Thank you for the reminder, brother. I will definitely share this post with my Christian brothers at the gym - we started a Bible study group about two years ago and it slowly continues to grow. All thanks to God for the owners allowing us to use their facilities to gather!
Basically, be like Pagan men but less willing to fight. Got it.
Very well said, appreciate you reminding me of basic necessities for Christian living.
good read !
I had an almost identical experience in my Church. I ended up leaving as well.
Fast forward 15 years… the church has gone from over 500 to 50. He just divorced his wife and is moving away with a girl 30 years younger than he.
Make the Templars great again.