Episode 3: Overcoming Church Hurt

Everyone has experienced conflict in church life. This episode addresses the biblical pattern to over difficult circumstances and remain faithful in our walk with Jesus.

This ministry is sponsored by “Words of Hope”.

Contact us at wordsofsalvationtn@gmail.com

Transcript

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Welcome to Words of Salvation. This is episode three in our series of Why Church is Important. In today's episode, we're going to address a very sensitive topic. Overcoming church hurt everyone who has been affiliated with the church has had some type of conflict, and overcoming that conflict is vital. To our church life, it is vital to our walk in Jesus Christ and staying faithful to the Lord's Church. I want to first address the Office of Pastor or overseer in the Lord's Church. I believe in God called Preachers and Holy Spirit Place Pastors. However, there are qualifications that come with the ministry and when a man is ordained to the office of pastor or elder. There are certain qualifications that must be upheld in his life, and when one falls or steps outside of the realm of his responsibility, it can do great harm in any church. God does use fallible men to carry his gospel, but there must be. Guidelines that are established and a man is required to live a life that is above public reproach. I judge no man's ministry. Every minister is accountable to God for what he preaches and for what he does, and God is our judge, as well as every member of the church. God will judge us for our actions. But we have responsibilities and we must be accountable one to another. Every church is composed of members, and it's common in every church to have personality conflicts and humans, which are acting outside of the realm of God's will and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, can do much damage and harm to one another. There is an expression that you can be so right, that you are wrong., This is a lesson that it took many years for me to learn in the work of the ministry as a pastor. I expressed an effort to boldly preach God's word in feeling justified to do so, addressing issues within the church. It took many years for the Lord to show me what was lacking, even though I was justified by the word of God. The thing that was lacking in my ministry was the element of compassion and patience. If a man is trying to run people off, he'll probably accomplish just that by not recognizing what his hidden motives truly are. While the truth is the truth, and it must be upheld, and every situation and circumstance is unique. There are certain things that must be addressed, but it's easy for a pastor to allow his unrecognized agendas to manifest in his preaching. As we said, God uses fallible men to carry his message. This is a difficult job that requires much prayer and self-examination to rebuke and reprove and exhort our biblical instruction. But if it's lacking in love for the people, then it will manifest itself in a man's preaching. Now, as for the member's perspective, we must be able to receive loving formative discipline. That is the correction that comes from God's word. All churches have members who struggle with control issues, and all of us strive with our own sinful nature, and one who will not accept their own mistakes will find difficulty wherever they try to serve. Now, I want to say this. You should never leave any church without the leadership of the Holy Spirit, as we have taught in previous episodes of what a true church really is. If you're in a church that is not preaching the biblical gospel truth, then you should give much prayer and consideration as to where you should be serving God. Conflict is common, but the Bible teaches our focus must always be on Christ. A true church is where Christ has instructed us to serve. And if you're not in. A Bible believing gospel preaching Holy Spirit filled church. Then you need to seek God's leadership as to where you should worship. There are many causes of hurt among church members. Hurt can manifest itself in various ways. From minor misunderstandings to severe abuse of power. There are many common ways church members can hurt one another. One, gossip and slander. Gossip and slander are destructive behaviors that can cause significant emotional and spiritual harm. When church members engage in spreading rumors or speaking ill of others behind their backs, it creates a toxic environment and breaks down trust within the church community. Cliques or exclusion of other people. The formation of cliques within a church can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation for those who are not a part of the so-called in-group. This can be especially hurtful for new members or those who have already struggling with feelings of loneliness. Abuse of authority. One of the most harmful ways church members can hurt one another is through the abuse of authority. Leaders who manipulate, control or exploit their positions can cause deep hurt and lasting wounds. This abuse can take many forms including emotional, spiritual, even physical abuse. There have been many difficult and painful situations that have had to be dealt with throughout the years in the church, but the Bible gives us clear direction on how these things are to be handled and these things can be overcome, and ultimately we can be in an environment of a healthy, spiritual growing, loving gospel filled, holy Spirit filled church. While church hurt can be incredibly painful, it is possible to find healing and move forward. Let's talk about some steps to overcome. Hurtful situations. We should always seek reconciliation whenever possible. Seek reconciliation with those who have caused church hurt. This might involve having a difficult conversation, prayer seeking meditation, or offering and asking for forgiveness or admitting our own faults. Reconciliation can be a powerful step towards healing and restoring relationship. Always focus your relationship on Jesus Christ. We don't go to church to be seen. We don't go to church for social acclimation. But our focus is on worshiping Jesus Christ. Remember that your faith is ultimately about your relationship with Christ, not the actions of fallible humans. I. Spend time in prayer, reflection. Study the scriptures to strengthen your personal connection with God. We all have a responsibility to Christ and to serve him through the church body. As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to embrace his teachings, to love our brothers and sisters, to forgive our brothers and sisters. We should always show grace and forgiveness. Just as Jesus has shown us grace and forgiveness, we are called to extend the same to others. This does not mean excusing harmful behavior. There are things that have to be dealt with, choosing to let go of bitterness and resentment can sometimes be very difficult, but it is part of our Christian godly responsibility. We're always to promote unity and love. We're called to promote unity and love within the body of Christ, and this involves actively working to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Church is the one place everyone should feel welcome. Now, I realize sometimes the gospel, when it is preached, it brings conviction and we need to be able to receive correction from the word of God, but we should never create an environment where people feel unwelcome. Holding one another accountable and being accountable to God. We must always hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions. This includes addressing issues of gossip, exclusion, judgment, and abuse of authority when they arise, church hurt is a painful reality, but it does not have to define our walk in Christ. By seeking reconciliation, finding support, focusing on our relationship with Christ, we can overcome church hurt and hurt feelings, and find healing. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to embrace his love and his teaching and to be as much as humanly possible like him. Promoting unity and accountability within the church is one of our primary responsibilities. In doing so, we can create an environment that truly reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Church hurt can be one of the most profound and challenging experiences for any believer. Don't run away from church because you have faced a difficult situation. Go to God in prayer. Seek his leadership. Seek his direction. If you're not where God wants you to be, the Holy Spirit will place you where you need to be. But if God has not called you to leave, then you need to stay put exactly where he has placed you. Now, we cannot tolerate certain things. We cannot tolerate heresy within the church, and I encourage each and every one that listens to this podcast. To seek out what a true church really is and assure your church is preaching the gospel the way that Jesus Christ intended it, and following the biblical pattern of what a true church is to represent. Remember, churches don't hurt people. People acting out of God's will hurt people. Don't give up on church. Seek God's guidance and leadership and forbear one another in love. When a place that is supposed to be a sanctuary of love and support and community becomes a source of pain and disappointment, there can be feelings of betrayal, and it can shake our faith to the very core. Yet the teachings and the wisdom that are found in God's word can help us overcome. Christians can find the guidance and strength to overcome church hurt and continue to trust Jesus Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And yes, you still need church though you can find fault in any church because of human error. Understanding church hurt. Church hurt can manifest in so many different ways, as we've already stated, from personal conflicts to misunderstandings to more serious issues. Abuse, betrayal, spiritual manipulation. It can lead to feelings of isolation, disillusionment, and even a crisis of faith. The word of God is never to be used as a battering ram. But when the truth is preached in love and humility, then it is for our own good and our spiritual maturity. The Bible acknowledges that Christians will face trials and tribulations even within the church. Matthew 18 and seven, Jesus says, wo unto the world because of offenses for it must needs be that offensives come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh. We can find healing through forgiveness. Sometimes our own sin can cause church hurt. Or if we've been offended by others, we must forgive them and continue to try to serve Christ and focus on him. In Matthew chapter six, Jesus says, for if you forgive men of their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness does not mean condoning the hurtful actions, but rather releasing the hold that pain has on one's heart and soul. In Colossians three and 13, the Apostle Paul urges believers to forbear one another and forgive one another. And if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye forgiveness is a divine attribute that reflects Christ's love and mercy. And by choosing to forgive, Christians can begin to heal and move forward in their walk and their service to Christ. We should seek restoration through prayer. Prayer is a very powerful tool for seeking comfort, guidance, and restoration, and times of church hurt. Turning to God in prayer can provide solace and clarity. Philippians four and six Encourages believers to bring their concerns to God. He says, be careful for nothing or be anxious for nothing, or don't worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts in mind through Christ Jesus. Through prayer, Christians can find strength to persevere and the wisdom to navigate their pain. James chapter five also highlights the importance of prayer. Confess your faults one to another. Pray for one another that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man of eth much engaging in prayer with trusted believers. Can. Bring the healing support forgiveness and the restoration that we stand in need of. Don't lose faith in Jesus Christ because of human fallacy. While church hurt can lead to a loss of trust in the church as an institution, it is essential to remember that Christ remains unchanging and steadfast. In Hebrews 13, reminds us that jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Trusting in Christ means focusing on his eternal goodness and faithfulness rather than our own failings as human beings. And Proverbs. Chapter three, believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all their heart and lean not to their own understanding in all our ways, acknowledge Him and he shall direct our path. We need to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Persevere through difficult situations. Stand for what is right. Stand for what is true. Always follow God, and then we will always be in the right. Trusting in Christ involves surrendering our pain and our confusion unto him allowing him to lead us towards healing and spiritual renewal. Healing from church hurt is a situation that requires time, patience, and faith, and God's grace and God's directions. The hundred and 47th Psalms offers us reinsurance where he says, heth the brokenhearted and bind it up their wounds. God understands the depth of our pain and he is an ever present comfort for healing jesus was betrayed by those he loved. Healing from church hurt requires time, patience, and faith. Don't give up on God's divinely appointed plan to serve him through the greatest institution on earth, and that is his church. Don't allow someone else's misguided walk to hinder yours. Don't give up on following God. Overcoming church hurt and continuing to trust in Christ is a testament to the power of God's love and grace. We're called to perseverance. We are called to continue by embracing forgiveness and seeking restoration through prayer and trusting the Holy Spirit. God can lead us through our Christian walk and we can grow and learn and gain wisdom. Through those situations, Christians can find strength and rise above these situations and continue to walk in faith. God's word offers timeless wisdom and encouragement for us to navigate The complexities of church hurt reminding us that our focus is always to be on Jesus Christ. We don't go to church to impress others. We go to church to worship Jesus Christ. It is the greatest institution on the face of the earth. Don't give up on Jesus. Seek his leadership. Seek his guidance. If you're one who has been a victim of church hurt, or if you're one who has caused church hurt, we can continue in Christ and learn from our mistakes and learn from the mistakes of others. There's not a perfect pastor. There's not a perfect church. There is not a perfect Christian, but we do serve a perfect savior. Thank you for listening to Words of Salvation. God bless you is our prayer. This ministry is sponsored by Words of Hope. You can contact us at words of salvation tn@gmail.com. God bless you is our prayer.