Just the facts ma'am......

Have you ever watched Law and Order? Or how about Judge Judy? I like Judge Judy because she can sift through the "fluff" and get to the facts and ultimately the truth. I guess I've always been one who wants to get to it. Just give me the truth and I'll try my best to make the application. I struggle with that in my Christian walk. Am I pursuing what the Lord has for my life? Am I being obedient to the Great Commission? Am I properly pursuing growth as a Christian?? I guess I am disturbed because a person can be one to the exclusion of the other. Some feel the building up of the "temple" and edification of the saints is all a body of believers is supposed to do. Others feel the Great Commission is all that should be pursued leaving behind the growth that is supposed to occur in their life (and the lives of those around them).

* Side note: how are you supposed to make disciples if you are a baby Christian and can't guide them b'cos your own life lacks?? *

A balance has to be achieved, that's how. Are we all called to the Great Commission?? Yes. His command was given to His disciples but in turn it is given to each of us. I was SHOCKED when one of the people I go to church with and I were talking and they shared that they felt not everyone was called to actually "witness" to people, but felt that a life lived correctly should be witness enough. WHAT????? Are you kidding me?

Newsflash!!! Even non Christians live good lives! Are they an example of Christs love and goodness??

After my jaw closed, I asked what the church should be doing and they said building up the saints (the conversation was longer, but this was the gist). Well, at least they got 1/2 of it right. I guess that's why I feel like I've been on a lifeboat adrift in my own church. When going on the variety of missions trips I have, there is a very small group of people that I KNOW are praying for me and actually care what is happening. However, I never felt like I was "First AC Church's missionary", but most thought it's just a "thing" I wanted to do on my own (which by the way was never what I wanted and monetary support is not what I was looking for, it was a 'sending out'). It explains my frustration. It explains why every time there's a board meeting I'd rather have the nails pulled off the end of my fingers than go. The attitude of most in the church is that we don't have enough money. Really?? We have more money than we've EVER had before. But the overwhelming attitude is we have to be good stewards of it (Yes, I agree with that), to the exclusion of anything that would be considered "a cost". Really? Yup, we had a conversation once about value for money spent (in regards to supporting those going to camp- if they aren't a member we wouldn't support them- ARE YOU KIDDING ME??). If we don't get tithing members out of an expenditure we shouldn't spend it. We're going to accept the Lord's money and ignore His work? Wow.

One more newsflash! When we spread the gospel to the lost, generally speaking it is the poor, needy, downtrodden who respond to it, and guess what? They usually don't have money. What a concept! Minister to those in need AND WHO NEED CHRIST!!!

So, what is the correct solution? I am not sure. There are so many changes coming down the pike starting tonight with a visit from our regional superintendent. We'll see. I don't look for any big solution to come anytime soon. There is a good portion on our board who'd be happy not doing anything (they just want an interim pastor), but that would mean more work for those few who do actually try to do the work.

Mark and I are taking a "wait and see" attitude (at least I am). I don't want to make a rash decision based on how I "feel" now. That's stupid and childish. I may be frustrated, but maybe I just need to not be on the board. Maybe I can make an impact without subjecting myself to more frustration. I need to be obedient to the Lord, but on the same token, be a good sister in Christ (sometimes it's hard to love people when you "serve" with them).

Clearly I need HELP........and PRAYER............and PATIENCE, wait scratch that last one.......

I am so glad that the one who created the universe loved me enough to die for me and STILL has patience with me, and uses me IN SPITE OF ME!!! I need to show the same patience with those He's not through with yet either. Pray for me and my church.............I'd be happy to do the same for you!