Much gets said on Facebook and twitter and blogosphere about church leaders. Recently Mark Driscoll and MarsHill have been in the firing line. This is my response - its inadequate as I am inadequate but it expresses something of my heart as a local pastor appreciating much that folks like Mark Driscoll, Rick Warren, Terry Virgo, Bill Hybells, Bryan Houston and many others have taught me and helped me and done their very best to extend His Kingdom and helped many many thousands to love Jesus. Thank you to all these great guys and all the others not mentioned. Its amazing how much folks seem to know who has done what and when and not done this or that! Wow! Wonder what twitter and Facebook would have made of Peter who let folks down, denied Jesus, hid and told lies......! How sad that we talk of brothers and sisters in Christ as enemies and take sides when across the world more Christians are murdered and mutilated for expressing faith in the Christ who took their pain and suffering on the old rugged cross. If only all the Facebook and twitter efforts and words were directed towards whatever is lovely, whatever is....think on these things. I am sad about this story. Sad about the letter and its wording and tone and consequences and the reasons behind it. Sad that yet again we put someone on a high place and then knock them off even when we are no better and many of us done so little to love and forgive and extend the kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace. Hundreds were baptised at Mars Hill last week. Thousands around the world have been greatly blessed and lives changed. Its inevitable that some will complain and moan and accuse and be hurt and be let down. As a pastor I know something of the pain - some have accused me of control, of manipulation or being unkind, of hurt or bad management or lack of wisdom - all probably true in one way or another. I cant respond, I cant defend myself, I cant tell the stories. I just have to get on with it and forgive and know that one day Jesus will sort it out! So anyone reading this be careful not to jump to conclusions when you know little. Be more committed to love and grace and forgiveness than judgement! I have absolutely no right to suggest Mark or anyone else in a church Ive never attended should step down or be restored or...or.... I do have the joy of prayer and the responsibility for what God has asked of me where I am placed with the people I work with the best I can - some may well be let down, hurt, angry or about my failures or mistakes but I also know as much as I forgive some will always accuse and will very sadly never move on and will probably tell their story against me or what Ive done or not done. I suspect that would have been the case with Peter if Facebook, Twitter and the like were around then! Rant over. But get my heart.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 07:37:28 +0000
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