We're NOT getting a new preacher (church)

Moving to a new church and getting a new preacher is an exciting time. Many are convinced this’ll solve all the problems they've ever had, and everyone will live happily ever after.

• What if your “new” preacher—or your “new” church—comes with more miles and hidden dents than you realize?
• Do you know where to get a reliable “PREACHERFAX” or “CHURCHFAX” before making a move?
• How can you tell the difference between normal wear-and-tear and severe damage that’ll break down later?
• Is it wiser to trade for something “new,” or repair and restore the preacher or church you already have?
• When Paul says we are new creations in Christ, how does that truth reshape the way we look at used preachers and used churches?

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Transcript

073 We’re (NOT) Getting a New Preacher (Church)

Moving to a new church and getting a new preacher is an exciting time. Many are convinced this’ll solve all the problems they've ever had, and everyone will live happily ever after.

• What if your “new” preacher—or your “new” church—comes with more miles and hidden dents than you realize?
• Do you know where to get a reliable “PREACHERFAX” or “CHURCHFAX” before making a move?
• How can you tell the difference between normal wear-and-tear and severe damage that’ll break down later?
• Is it wiser to trade for something “new,” or repair and restore the preacher or church you already have?
• When Paul says we are new creations in Christ, how does that truth reshape the way we look at used preachers and used churches?

I’m moving to a new church,” an excited preacher tells me. “We’re getting a new preacher next week,” say thrilled people in a church.

You aren’t. All are used. All have histories. Most have been wrecked at least once. I hope you’ve checked the accident reports.

I’ve driven used cars for years, saving thousands of dollars and enjoying excellent service. However, it’s essential to get the history of used vehicles.

CARFAX furnishes much information about a car and what’s happened to it.

Some you can live with. Some you can’t or shouldn’t. What kinds of repairs have been made since it was new? Were damaged parts replaced with original equipment or cheap knockoffs?

The same’s true of preachers and churches.

Is he and his family stronger since the accident? Have they reinforced weak places? Do their weaknesses fit the strengths you need to help you and your church grow with your strengths and weaknesses?

How long has it been since the last church fuss? Are you being recruited to take one side or the other in the dispute?

What kind of body repair experience have you had? Do you think the wrinkles will smooth out on their own? How much Bondo were you seeing during your weekend visit? When will it start to crack and show signs of rust?

You aren’t getting a new preacher. And the preacher isn’t getting a new church.

They’re both used. They have a history. Learn it. Pray for wisdom.

Is this the used preacher (church) you need now? There are no 100,000-mile guarantees. Do you need to repair bumps and scratches you're aware of, and keep driving what you have?

It’s something to consider when you’re getting intoxicated by the new car smell in the showroom and you’ve had two flat tires in two weeks. A new set of tires from Sam’s Club doesn’t cost as much as a new, or old, car with no CARFAX report.

A preacher appreciation dinner, special courses for growth, and a sabbatical can improve the old preacher and are less expensive than searching for and moving in a new (old) preacher.

But Christians are new creations. If that’s true, we do have a new preacher and a new church. Our opportunity during the “shopping” process is to learn if this preacher (church) is a new creation in Jesus or an old car where the paint’ll start peeling and the transmission’ll go out in six months.

Or, if you’re into restoring old things, know what you’re getting and enjoy the process. I’ve seen many beautiful restorations. It’s a lot of work, but when done well, it’s rewarding. Damaged preachers, elders, and churches are worth it when they’re restorable.

Have they, and you, processed your pain and learned the new paradigm that “your hope is in your pain”? Paul had a wreck in his life, and he asked the Lord to remove the pain. The reply was that the bumps in the University of Hard Knocks were the source of his strength. — 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul considered his past damages as a gift from Jesus and proof that if he could be saved, anybody could be saved. He was quick to admit it and frequently discussed it.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. — 1 Timothy 1:12-15

Please don't put your hopes in any preacher or elder who claims to have never made a mistake and assures you they never will. That attitude reminds me of a statement I heard, "I'm as good as Jesus and getting better every day."

Some of my best regular and interim works have been in churches facing the most pressing problems. They were hurting, admitted it, and looking for help.

Some churches that presented themselves as the best were actually the worst because they were either unaware of their weaknesses or unwilling to acknowledge and address them.

My suggestion: when you’re considering a new church or a new preacher, share some of your weaknesses and ask them about their weaknesses, tell about a wreck you’ve had and how the repair is progressing. Ask the church about the biggest challenge they’ve faced in the last ten years and how they dealt with it — or didn’t deal with it.

Get a good report that the damaged church or damaged preacher you're considering has been divinely repaired and that they or he has an assurance policy for future damages with no deductible.