Ministry Talks 7 - The Dark Side of the Church

6 realities that can make the church feel a little dark at times…

 

John 17:13-19 - foundation of light and dark, world and God’s people

 

Reality #1 - It will always be a challenge to help the world understand the church.

• not a distraction, part of ministry
• inherent to being in the world, not of the world
• In the world is a good thing, from God
• The Light of Christ and the Lighthouse of the Word
• Compassion in knowing a world disconnected from God and His love

 

Reality #2 - The church itself exists in the world not outside of it.

            -  junk of the world will be in the church

            - we will see both light and dark in the church

            - joy (v. 13)

 

Reality #3 - People will struggle with sin in the church.

            - we will see relationship issues, addiction, sexual immorality, gossip, hatefulness all around us

            - we are not better people

            - we will also see sin at church - need for boundaries

            - sin of language is so common

            - How do people yell, accuse, make fun of, fail to include? What else can you add?

            - How do we repair the hurts and bring light with the Word?

            - polarity of family and institution aspects of the church

 

Reality #4 - Spiritual warfare is most often experienced in relationships, especially deeply spiritual relationships.

            - Colossians 3:9-15

 

Reality #5 - We really, really, really want to play favorites.

            - James 2:1-4

            - money yes, but also times, special groups of people, founders, members v nonmembers, worship preferences, knowledge, etc.

            - how do we expect children or youth to be something they are not

 

Reality #6 - Everything feels so darn personal.

            - 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12,19-20

            - joy and life is better than the cerebral version, even when it’s dark and hard

 

Resources:

Built on the Rock - https://www.amazon.com/Built-Rock-Congregation-Ted-Kober/dp/0758658060

Simple Church - https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Church-Returning-Process-Disciples/dp/0805447997

Total Church - https://www.amazon.com/Total-Church-Radical-Reshaping-Community/dp/1433502089

Dangerous Calling - https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Calling-Confronting-Challenges-Pastoral/dp/1433535823

 

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