This week has been one of those weeks were several not-so-good things came to light. It's never fun to look in the mirror and see just how badly you can mess something up. I'm as capable as anyone of making poor choices or failing to do something well. I usually spend a fair amount of time lamenting 'if only I had done this differently.' There is nothing wrong with that. When we make poor choices, part of growing is feeling the sting of the consequences.
When I have to face shortcomings, it's easy for me to be overwhelmed by them. This happens personally and organizationally, as any leader knows. So, I thought I might add some balance to my reflection by keeping one eye on some positive things while I work on some negative ones.
1) Our church baptized 103 people in 2011 (a record) and has baptized almost 600 people in 9 years. We may not be as well structured, mature, deep, planned or disciplined as we'd like, but we sure have helped a lot of people to know Jesus Christ and cross the line of faith.
2) People have a meal today who otherwise would be hungry. Chauncey Starkey, who heads up our benevolence ministry, briefed me the other day on how many people are asking for help with food. I was blown away at how many thousands of dollars we have given in Food Lion cards to dozens of families who need help.
3) Kids love this church! Parents don't have to drag their kids to church...they want to be here. PCC Kids servers at both campuses make coming to church FUN!
4) I get to work with my closest friends. I know this is more personal, but it's still one of the things I love about our church. Some of my closest friends are also all-in on making PCC happen. They passionately believe in our mission and are full-fledged partners in it. And that means that I get to work with them and do life with them at the same time.
5) People's lives really are better. I was at an event a couple of weeks ago and someone I know walked up to me to tell me how much better his life is because of PCC. His marriage, his spiritual life, his relationship with his kids. He thanked me, but I thought about how many people worked hard so that he could claim those blessings. And these stories aren't exceptions. Rather, we hear about them frequently, as people share the difference our church is making to them.
What we do matters. In spite of our failures and shortcomings (which we absolutely should address), on balance, I think our community is better because of what God is doing here.
3 comments:
I too tend to get upset when I do things wrong or make a mess of things. PCC has been a God send in these instances. As you know, I was walking away from church when you ask me to come with you. You and PCC have guided me with Love, care, and lots of Grace as I finally learned where God wanted me. PCC has tremendously improved my life and realtionships even among all the mistakes I normally make. PCC "IS" my earthly life with God.
Please don't lose sight of the many GREAT happening when you consider any not-so-good things. They far outweigh any items that may need improvement. You ministry means A LOT to many, many of us, and PCC is a place we can come no matter what we're facing and know that we'll be welcomed, supported, and become closer to God. If you have anything that needs attention, know there are many people who would love to help you -- you've helped us and we'd be honored to help you too.
As many have been helped, just as many have been HURT. Sometimes God uses conflict to get us back on track, so don't always asume it is Satan that is attacking. We all pay for our choices with consequences.
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