Problems at Church

When I was a boy, my favorite Sports writer was a man named Sid Hartman. He wrote for the Minneapolis Star / Tribune. Sid had a terminal case of what historian's call "Boosterism." No matter how poorly the local teams played nor outrageous their off field behavior, to Sid they could do no wrong. As a boy I loved Sid's eternal optimism. Also, the local athletes were my heroes, and my childish brain had no room in it to consider their humanity. The worst part of my naivety was that I did not have the courage to acknowledge that my heroes may not be heroes. In fact, time would show that a few were criminals. As I've grown a bit more seasoned in life I find my heroes are the much more ordinary men in my childhood - coaches, teachers, pastors, bosses, and mostly my dad, uncles, and grandfathers. (But I'll save that discussion for another time.)

As my mind grappled with the history of humanity, I found a better writing style. I still don't know what to call it, but I instinctively pursue it. My favorite style lays out the truth for all to see, but never gives up hope. For those of us who believe in the Resurrection of Jesus this style is firmly rooted in a belief that God will deliver His people from oppression to glorious victory in a final triumphant act of judgment. We live between these two realities - the Resurrection and the Final Judgment. Though our season of life may be difficult there is nothing that will stop the Sovereign plans of our God.

This Sunday we are going to look at one of those stories that no missionary or pastor would ever want to tell. It won't be one that would make church bulletins nor fill the boosterism pages of Christian magazines and newsletters. This week's story will be about problems at church.

To be honest if I had not committed to all of you and the Lord that I would preach through Acts this year I'd just push the fast forward on this story. In fact, if you want to come to church and be entertained like small children looking for a hero I would recommend that you not come this Sunday.

This week we will be Acts 6:1-7 and deal with one of Christian history's ugliest sins. Sometimes, God's people play favorites based on ethnicity. Sometimes they only see the needs of people just like themselves. Sometimes they murmur and gossip. Sometimes they undermine those the Lord has anointed to lead them.

Yet, like I said God's story with humanity is one of victory. Our sin does not reign. God's sovereign will does reign. This Sunday as we look at the problems of church we will find that God did not leave His people. Instead He inspired them to find a solution and actually improve their service to their community.

I trust that our CCR future will be much the same. Boosterism will fail us. The realists in our midst will quickly find our problems. Yet, God will not abandon us. If we love one another and hunger for God a way forward will be found.

I hope to see those of you who seek something more this Sunday.

Dave