We Are Learning

Recently our church family entered into a trial. A family in the church, who has struggled to contribute to the unity of our church for their entire 16-year membership, created quite a stir, accusing the pastors of possibly misusing church funds (he requested detailed breakdowns of our pay packages) and especially demanding that our associate pastor, the son of the pastor and proposed next lead pastor, be terminated. 

The accusations concerning the funds were publicly and honestly settled by being absolutely transparent. We answered his questions but brought them before the entire congregation (on a Wednesday night service). The two deacons he contacted with his accusations went through the expenses, confirmed that there was no extraordinary spending and that each pastor had received the income approved by the deacons. The accuser admitted it never was about the finances anyway. The demand for the removal of the associate pastor was flatly denied and the man, obviously unrepentant, was given the options of either church discipline (we would not remove his membership but would place limitations on his involvement in the church until he had restored trust. If he abided by those limitations his membership would continue. If he broke them, a disciplinary committee, as outlined in our church's constitution would be assembled and his membership revoked) or his voluntary resignation as a member of our church (our constitution stipulates that this action immediately places him under church discipline and may not receive a letter of transfer from our church). At the meeting, he agreed to the limitations of membership. However, the next day he called the church to say that he and his family would no longer be attending our church.

A trial like this is never pleasant, but there are lessons to be learned. If we are able to grow as believers because of it, God is glorified.

What are we learning? The list might be as varied as the members of our church, but here are some lessons we may hope to receive.

We are learning to trust the Lord

Will he pull us through this? We know the promises of the Word of God. We get to see if they are true.

We are learning to forgive

I think I learned many years ago to forgive the multiple attacks upon my person. These attacks have been directed toward my wife and my son. It’s a new bent on forgiving.

We are learning patience

Patience is perfected in persecution, trial, and tribulation. 

We are learning to love

We are taught to love those who hate us and do us evil. We get the chance to practice it.

We are learning unity

Those who rally to support and defend the attacked become truly precious to us.

Marvin McKenzie
In the fields