Church Wounds
#21
Friend,
As you know, I’m a pastor.
On a good day, that means I get to walk with people as they go through the ups and downs in a world intent to wear them out.
On a bad day, that means that I am bandaging spiritual wounds when a church that they trusted hurt them, betrayed them, or rejected them.
On my worst day, I cause harm to people and contribute to their spiritual wounds. That’s never been my intent, but that has been the result.
So, if you have church scars (wounds that have healed, but still leave a mark) or church wounds (not yet healed, rather days or decades old), then I have four things for you.
I’m sorry. If a pastor, church leader, or denominational organization never told you that they were sorry for your pain, then on behalf of the church I want to say, “I am sorry that God’s people hurt you. I’m sorry that our actions lead you away from Jesus instead of towards Jesus. I’m sorry that you felt abandoned, rejected, and alone.”
You are not alone. I have wounds and scars too. And others do as well. I’d be glad to talk with you more about your wounds if need be.
Jesus is not the church. I strongly believe that Jesus is in the church, Jesus is the head of the church, but Jesus has not wounded you. Jesus has not hurt you. If you can’t walk in a church, please don’t stop walking with Jesus. He is right here, the great physician, the great healer, the miracle worker, and Jesus can be that for you.
The church can still be an instrument for good. Even with the church wounds that exist, I still believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through imperfect churches to bring healing and hope. I don’t believe that God has given up on the church, and I’d love for you to give the community of faith a chance again in the future.
Love,
Aaron