Back from my travels and like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I want to say, "There is no place like home." It was a great trip. I still think real Christianity displayed in the world is the most dazzling thing on the planet. Rescuing little girls from brothels at great personal risk or caring for HIV infected orphans, it is followers of Christ who are carrying on the work. Sad, wonderful, heartbreaking, dazzling in the display of God's love and glory.
The trip was only marred by an anonymous letter faxed to me while in Thailand that was openly critical of the leadership and direction of the church. It has been sent out to a bunch of people. It makes me sad. If the person had just come to me with their concerns I could have answered almost all of them. Knowing a lot about the Bible doesn't necessarily mean you will obey it. The Bible is clear on how to handle a disagreement and sending an anonymous letter to everyone you know is not the way. But, God is big. I think He gave me Psalm 37 while in Thailand.
I am glad I am home. Home has always seemed a safe place. Because of the letter, church feels a little less safe for me and I know for my family. God never wanted that, of this I am sure.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Home Again
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13 comments:
Ouch. A dear godly friend of mine who was in the insurance business once told me "Give me a pagan any day". He was not referring for evangelism reasons either!
Often times my neighbors seem easier to deal with than my church family.
The good news is that the "anonymous" writer is NOT the whole church family! Maybe just the "hang nail." I will pray that that this spark does not create a fire!
Hang in there-anyone who knows your heart and the heart of our leadership would have dealt differently with their criticism! Please know you are much appreciated!!
what does this person want ? how could anybody doing gods work be critical ? I feel personally because of you and the church. I now have FAITH and, my family prayed everyday ! for your safe travel and return it takes a special person and group to do what you did. I feel my problems or issues are nothing compared to the peoples lives you touched.
Keep it going !!
Don't sweat it. If a person isn't willing to address leadership face to face, then their criticism isn't worth considering.
Having worked in newspapers for 25+ years, I can tell you that anonymous souces are looked upon with much skepticism. God Bless!!!
"Don't worry about getting out of the boat if that is what God calls you to do.
It is safer on the waves with Jesus, than in the boat without Him."
Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005)
As a PK I can tell you that my father suffered much from criticsm. But he remembered Nehemiah--telling Sanballat, "No such tings are being done, you invent them in your heart." And I am reminded of St. Patrick, who wouldn't go to England to answer to the ecclesiastical council, but stayed to keep on carrying out his mission to the Irish. So, Courage!
Any chance you could give some of us a class on how to write a blog? Is there an example of blogs that Christians write that really rock? Something you'd recommend reading? I love this way of reaching lots of people--curious about life and interested in how to make sense of their faith.
Joe,
Know that I am behind you and the staff and feel your sadness and frustration. Not sure what else to say except that you must be doing something right b/c of the opposition (2 Tim 3:12). Fight the good fight.
Scott
Truly the only time one should be anonymous is when giving as a generous donor with a generous heart.
Pastor Joe, if you serve Christ, you will be criticised.
And you serve Christ well.
Please dont change a thing.
One of the reasons I joined HCC is because of the integrity of the staff. How disheartening to be attacked by an anonymous Christian & HCC member. This truly is a battle that belongs to the Lord. Time to have the prayer warriors(your flock), surround you with prayer.
Joe,
I sign "anonymous" on this comment only because I do not have an official name for blogging..
You said Sunday that you believe this person is a "god loving" individual. That comment could only come from a person who truly loves the Lord and is grounded in his faith - YOU! This letter sounds like the work of the devil feeling left out because God is blessing his church and the work being done by the leadership and his followers.
We need and love you - God needs and loves you...and he will keep you safe in his arms.
Joe,
I want you to know that my husband and I do think that you preach the "whole" gospel. We approve of your leadership and the direction that the church is going in.
We can only say that Satan is out to destroy the work that you are doing and using any means at his disposal to do it.
We must not let Satan succeed, we are a family, a body and we must pray and protect our family and body.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keep up the good work!
We love and appreciate all that you do for us.
In Him,
Annoynmous (becuse I don't have a blog address)
What initially drew us to the Hudson fellowship and convinced us that we were at the right place was Jim's worship direction in The Cafe and your gift of delivering the LORD's message on a weekly basis. It is clear to us that the LORD speaks and works through the two of you and we look forward to Sunday worship every week. Don't stop being an instrument for God.
Thank You! Very interesting article. Do you can write anything else about it?
ery interesting blog, you say. I agree with you!
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