As I sit in my office typing this blog, my heart is broken for many of my friends who are in ministry settings that are difficult, trying, and painful. I am working on a writing project that outlines what I believe the greatest hindrance to the Gospel is in our day; the local Church. There I said it; the local church has become her own worst enemy. The fighting, complaining, bitterness, splits, division, schism, scandals, controversy, inauthenticity, rebellion, weak commitment, consumer crazed church hopping, etc. etc. etc. is the reason that so many outside God’s covenant criticize, rebuke, avoid, and ignore our message. With that said, as I listen to some of these young warriors talk about their struggle, I am thankful for the shalom God has given me. I admit this has not been the story of my ministry in its entirety. I left a ministry setting that was dead fixated on past accomplishments unwilling to acknowledge current reality, but I count my blessings for Thorington Road Baptist Church. This is a church that is surrendered to Jesus and focused on his Kingdom. Do we have problems? Of course we do, but we don’t live as if we don’t. This is a genuine, authentic, loving group of people. The more I listen to the struggle of my friends, the more thankful I am for the privilege of pastoring here. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the opportunity. God has been so good to my family to allow us to lead a body of believers that are focused on the Kingdom. It is great to raise my family in this environment. In many ways, I am thankful for Thorington Road Baptist Church because they have reignited the fire of my calling. My heart breaks for those that don’t enjoy the same.
March 31, 2009...4:29 pm
Thorington Road Baptist Church
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