Starting a church is much easier in theory than it is in reality. Duh. You see the greatest problem with starting a church, or doing any sort of ministry, is people. People just get in the way a whole lot! I’m not kidding. You get these great plans, these good ideas, a great vision, mission statement, nice new sound systems, chairs, etc. and everything is going to be just perfect…and then comes the people. They want to do things differently, they say they don’t show up to your perfect planned events, they aren’t as passionate about your mission as you are, they are messed up, sinful, and broken. Why can’t we just do ministry with healthy, loving people, who once they hear the good news message that Jesus offers and that we preach they immediately turn their lives around, leave their sinful ways, go to seminary, and plant a church of their own?!? That would be perfect wouldn’t it?
While I’m saying most of that tongue in cheek, there really and sadly is truth to that. I really do sometimes get frustrated or overwhelmed with some of the messiness in my life and in the people God sends to Renovatus. I often truly do think it would be better if God would just send more healthy, deeply spiritual, and mature Christ followers my way (and obviously is quite a bit of truth to that). But I read something interesting today. Here’s what Jesus said:
A man loaned money to two people- 500 denarii (a days wage) to one and 50 to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?
…
I tell you, her sins (the woman whos actions instigated Jesus’ words), and they are many, have been forgiven, so she has showm me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love.
It makes me want to pray a prayer that truly terrify me- Father, send Renovatus some really damaged people
that has become one of my favorite passages since we started our journey…Amen. May God continue to "ruin our plans"with His hurting people…great post.:)
Ryan,I understand the frustrations that come in regards to leading a church, although I have never been in a leadership role, I have learned from Jesus. When I look at the life he lead, who he was around, it was never healthy people, not even his followers. That I think is the true calling. We are all called to help the seek, those in need, the abused. I believe God will Bless Renovatus in many ways. Stay strong, God will lead the way. I leave you with this passage, I feel that God is telling me to share this with you.1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Blessings,Andre