The Church is Broken

For my last reader suggested post, I am going to address the topic that bothers me the most out of my readers suggestions. Toni Webb said this, "I have not looked way back on your blog.. But what about rejection? From pastors or leadership.. And it not handled in a Christian way? Or along those lines. My heart has been so broken the past year I cannot even face attending another church right now. And I am sure/ know this happens to so many people." 

I have written a blog specifically about rejection that can be read here. I will address rejection inside the church now... 

I have been a Senior Pastor, a Student Pastor, an Associate Pastor and on various church committees and I can say with assurance the church is broken. It is a broken system being led by broken individuals. When I left the church, I left behind a job, my calling and to some degree my faith. I was extremely wounded by the church. I thought it was a fatal wound and I never wanted to cross the threshold of another church... I didn't for about a year. But the rest of that story is for another day. 

Here is the problem with sinners (which we all are)... we sin. We are inherently selfish, manipulative, self-serving and hurtful. Even those in leadership. Does this excuse their behavior? Absolutely not!! But they are still just human. Does it make the hurt and rejection easier to bare? Not at all!! Is there a solution? Yes, but it isn't perfect either. The only solution I see for the church is growth and not in numbers. I mean growth in grace and in love and in knowledge for God and each other. We hurt people when we aren't loving God or neighbor well (or sometimes not at all). Am I talking about sanctification? Yes, I sure am. I think that the only way to solve a myriad of sin problems, including rejection and poor leadership reaction, is being made holy through the work of God not in our own strength. 

Toni is right this type of rejection happens a lot. Poor leadership/rejection by church staff is the number one sited reason for leaving the church in an article by LifeWay Bible Resources. I don't find this surprising at all, but I do find it heartbreaking and disappointing. The church is supposed to be the hands and feet of Christ to reach a lost, hurt and dying world... not inflicting more wounds on people that take up our pews. For all of us, I am sorry... the church is broken. The only way to fix it is from the inside. So, try not to lose heart.