How to overcome church hurt
Healed people, heal people
Some years ago, I was a member of a growing megachurch. It was charismatic. It was energetic. It was exciting.
Being fresh out of college and on my own for the first time, this church was an anchor. I knew the Lord had led me there.
The members became my family. They would host me after service for Sunday Dinner. We would do things outside of service. It was a great experience for a young person in a new city and unfamiliar surroundings.
After about a year of attending the church, I began to realize that God had a call on my life. Being young and naive, I didn’t know exactly how to proceed.
So, I decided to write a letter to the pastors of the church. In my mind, the purpose of the letter was to inform them of the call on my life as well as suggest a ministry for the youth. I had no intentions of disrupting the vision or ministry. I was excited that God was planning on using me.
Well, fast forward a few weeks. In a Sunday Morning service, the “Co-Pastor” decided to reference my letter.
She didn’t call me out by name, but made reference to people trying to disrupt the ministry with their ideals and that they would continue to do what God had placed on their hearts.
I knew she was referring to my letter based on specific points that she highlighted. The tone she used was condescending.
At that moment, I felt angry and ashamed. Why would she do that? How dare she do that?
I was at an inflection point? What would I do? Would I deconstruct my faith because of the hurt? Or, would I look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith?
I chose the latter. I chose to grow closer to God and His Word.
That’s how we overcome church hurt. We take our eyes off of the people and focus our gaze on God.
Pastors and leaders in the church also deal with human frailty. That human frailty at times causes them to hurt others.
Yet, we must realize our relationship with God is bigger than any hurt that occurs as a result of a church.
Don’t get me wrong, church is important. Fellowship with other believers is vital. Hearing the Word of God from a true minister of the Gospel is crucial.
Yet, in the end, Jesus died for our sins. He is the one who purchased us with His Blood.
When we remain mindful of that truth, we will forgive and allow God to heal us of all hurt.