Expert: Marvin Howard - 2/19/2004

Question
"What should an individual do when brotherly love and spirituality becomes absent from the church?
Please allow me to offer some background information. I am 42 yrs old, born and raised in the church of Christ and was baptized at 16yrs old. My husband and I, along with our children are faithful members. The church that I attend has declined in membership within the last year from approx 180 members to 130 members. There have been efforts, however there are no Elders and Deacons. In my opinion this church suffers from a very weak, slothful, uneducated group of men and an insincere and arrogant minister. These brothers have hired a man who has scolded, offended, and belittled the congregation from the pulpit from his first sermon. He has been minister more than a year now. My husband and I have talked to the brothers and the minister about his lack of humility and uplifting spirit. These talks have not encouraged any of these brothers to even take a look at the possibility that reevaluation may be necessary. I have certainly searched myself countless times, but am only interested in a healthy, God fearing, soul saving and purpose driven church of Christ. Our church is full of scandal and is not spoken of well in the community. It is easy to think of leaving, but I do want this church to be restored and be a part of the restoration. Many are also so very disraught that the brothers recently fired the Assistant Minister who offered so much Christian insight and encouragement to our congregation. The church was not advised that he was released. A congregational meeting was requested by some members. The church was told that the Minister did not need an Assistant Minister, and the Asst Minister traveled and preached at other churches too much. Intimidation and jealousy appears to be a factor here. The congregational meeting was extremely sad because there were hurt feelings described by many as to the decline of the church and the deaf ears the pleas were fallen upon. I know God's Grace and Mercy will bring us through. I pray to him for patience and guidance daily. Any words that you may offer will be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Hi!

Sister Faye, I am truly saddened to hear of your situation. I put this off to the end of my three days trying to come up with an answer for you which would sound somewhat intelligent.

You dearly love your congregation. This is evident in your question. You have follwed the book in this matter quite well. Now, we come to the question of what to do.

Remember, it is up to you to check what I say against scripture and make any final decisions. All I can do is provide options.

I gathered there is no hint of false doctrine being taught; it seems to all be attitude. If I am wrong in this, you have an additional option of informing the church as a whole. The congregation has its autonomy. Unless they are filling heads with something which will hurt another congregation if members leave, everything which may be done is strictly on a local level.

Other than this, I only see two options open to you. Neither is pleasant. However, for your own piece of mind, keep the thought foremost that you did not create the circumstances here.

Matthew 18:21-22, "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

Of course, four hundred ninety is not a magic number here. Remember Jewish numerology when applying this option. Ten is a number of strength, usually reserved as being set by God. When man is instructed to use it, it implies that the man is dealing from the position of strength. Seven is perfection. So, ten times seven (70) is perfect strength. When an additional "times seven" is included, as in this case, it shows applying perfect strength to perfection. In other words, the number is infinite. As long as you continue to do this, you will be dealing from the position of strength.

You are speaking truth to them; or trying to do so anyway. For this reason, I think the following verses may also be applied.

Matthew 10:13-15, "And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

This is parallelled in Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5.

Sister Faye, the way I see it from your description, the options you have are to keep forgiving them, or to be done with them. As I said before, neither is pleasant. I am truly thankful I am not placed in your position. I am sorry I am not able to provide some insight that will relieve your pain in this.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacherman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962