13. Can you speak to the many situations where people have been hurt by churches/Christians? What can help them to reconnect with God and the church?
First, it will help them if we Christians will acknowledge that we have done harm both individually and corporately.
Second, it will help them if we show the sort of love that we speak about, including corporate love for one another. Many have said that they have found the community at PMC to be refreshing and encouraging. Models matter.
Third, there is a time to say that "not all lawyers are shysters" and there is a time when we need the services of an honest lawyer; "not all doctors are quacks" and there is a time when we need the services of an effective doctor. Not all Christians are offensive, not all churches are abusive. We all need believing friends to enjoy God's good intentions for us!
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2 comments:
Lane, you said: "First, it will help them if we Christians will acknowledge that we have done harm both individually and corporately."
My question: When do sins need to be acknowledged corporately? If one acknowledges one's sins to the individuals directly concerned, is it necessary to also confess to the pastor? to the elders? to the entire congregation publicly? Who decides?
I meant that we should acknowledge our weaknesses in public statements, of course. I think it's just as important NOT to argue privately with those who charge the Church with failure. Humble responses may restore some of our corporate credibility.
As regards PERSONAL SIN, that should be privately confessed. We are ALL priests, according (1Peter 2:9), so we don't need to confess to a paid priest.
In the case of a ministry leader who falls into immorality, the confession would need to be public because her/his failure impacts the whole congregation.
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