Power Play

I am going to a church where they swing wide there arms and say come on in, were glad to have you- they use you in your calling and give you two thumbs up for doing it- Services have variety, spontaneous testimony, and  an open mic  for a good word. Is there order, yes there is still order- but is it what folks are used to? No certainly not.


I am used to  in all honesty  a totally different atmosphere when I am in a body, and it goes something like this- three songs  two times each run through-and then a break for the bulletin followed by a pastor speaking the Word, nothing is wrong with that, per say- but it leaves little opportunity for the church to be used as a whole, when only a trusted   few are holding it together. 


 I have seen ministers so afraid that someone would come in and push them out of positioning that they wont even allow anyone but their chosen few to pray,  guarded by  deacons like hungry  watch dogs they are ever on the lookout for anyone who might take them down- when the truth is, very few would even be interested, why bother? There's no room for growth in such a close-minded space.. Control is a problem in the bodies, burned pastors grapple for position, and while they step up their guard, they build walls around their church that actually become a prison to the body-how unfortunate.


 While there is a delicate balance in leadership and it needs to be understood,when people follow authority that may have gotten power hungry, and takes on an almost militant stance and proudly speaks from the pulpit on any given thing words such as "Its My way or the Highway" then it is apparent power has run a muck.


I only know that when I am in a place that does not fear but instead promotes one another's callings, I can finally grow.  I know that joy and compassion walk hand in hand with a people who crave MORE- who want to see the giftings and the Blessings of God and all that he has, and quite frankly  that's where I would much rather be, because even if a church is overflowing with talented amazing folk who love Jesus, its all for nothing if they cant be used.


So here's my final thought, Beloved Pastor, or dear friend, let Go- Trust that God will do what needs to be done to make your church a healthy body, don't put up barriers that block growth or suspend them out as tokens for good behavior, let your people GO!   because God cant do a new thing if your holding on to all the old things...Think about it- its true. 
Brother or sister if ya wanna grow with God you gotta learn to Go with God. Amen!