This time next week we’ll be starting once more on our Lenten Journey. I’ve just read the following in the book of Proverbs. These are to be taken literally, but also metaphorically. I can kill the spirit of another with cruel words, words full of hate wrapped up in piety. The worst evil is evil wrapped up in the language of The Church. In our Lenten Journey, I must once again confess my personal sinfulness.
But we must also, as a community, confess the corporate sinfulness of our churches. In 25 years of ministry, sadly I’ve seen evil within the church and great grace and goodness outside the Church.
Sometimes when faced with, the next ‘great tool’ to pay parish share or get ‘bums on seats’; I don’t ask, ‘why don’t people come to church,’ no I ask, ‘why do people come to church!’
For people hurt by members of the churches, or lifeless and loveless teaching or preaching, I’m truly sorry. But I know if you give us another chance, you will make our church more Christ like. Please join us again this Lent and Easter. Help us tell the Story of God’s love made real in Jesus Christ.
There is Good News in the person of Jesus Christ, and He’ll never let you down. God bless.
“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that hurry to run to evil,
a lying witness who testifies falsely,
and one who sows discord in a family.”
(From the Book of Proverbs.)