What are the most common excuses people give for not being part of a church family? Being in Church leadership, I have heard quite a few. Those excuses come from family, work, and the grocery store. The one I love to hear is “the church is full of hypocrites” and (in my mind) I say “yes” you are right, and we have room for one more, so when can you come?
When I think of church family, I think of unity. In the past I have experienced people that claim to be a disciple of Christ, that have done some very destructive things that disrupt unity, which a true Christ follower would not do.
God’s word has a lot to say on the subject:
Ephesians 4:3
3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
In short, as Christ followers we have unity, and Satan seeks to disrupt it or to remove it. The scripture didn’t say “create” it said “KEEP”.
Who is responsible for the unity of the church?
For the answer read Colossians 3:12-14
Tips worth keeping
Focus what we have in common, not our differences.
Matthew 28:18-20
Be realistic with your expectations
Ephesians 4:2
Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
Romans 14:4-10
Refuse to listen to gossip
If you are not part of the problem or part of the solution and you are talking about it then that is GOSSIP. And listening to gossip is like receiving stolen property.
Practice God’s method for conflict resolution.
Matt. 18:15-17
Support your pastor and leaders
Hebrews 13:17 / 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Side Note:
Other believers WILL disappoint you and let you down, but that is no excuse to stop fellowshipping with them. And Divorcing your church at the 1st sign of disappointment is a mark of immaturity.
Gather, Grow, & Go
Tim
When I think of church family, I think of unity. In the past I have experienced people that claim to be a disciple of Christ, that have done some very destructive things that disrupt unity, which a true Christ follower would not do.
God’s word has a lot to say on the subject:
Ephesians 4:3
3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
In short, as Christ followers we have unity, and Satan seeks to disrupt it or to remove it. The scripture didn’t say “create” it said “KEEP”.
Who is responsible for the unity of the church?
For the answer read Colossians 3:12-14
Tips worth keeping
Focus what we have in common, not our differences.
Matthew 28:18-20
Be realistic with your expectations
Ephesians 4:2
Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
Romans 14:4-10
Refuse to listen to gossip
If you are not part of the problem or part of the solution and you are talking about it then that is GOSSIP. And listening to gossip is like receiving stolen property.
Practice God’s method for conflict resolution.
Matt. 18:15-17
Support your pastor and leaders
Hebrews 13:17 / 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Side Note:
Other believers WILL disappoint you and let you down, but that is no excuse to stop fellowshipping with them. And Divorcing your church at the 1st sign of disappointment is a mark of immaturity.
Gather, Grow, & Go
Tim