When it rains … it pours. So the saying goes—and that was certainly the case in a ministry I once oversaw.
It began with one volunteer, then two, then three—each coming to me with heartfelt concerns, hurts, and complaints about their leadership. Over the following months, I spent countless hours meeting with individuals, pairs, and groups of volunteers while also communicating with the ministry leader what was happening. It was a hot mess! Eventually, the leader was removed, disciplined, and intentionally discipled.
At the heart of the process was the goal of discipleship—a foundation for relational reconciliation and spiritual restoration for everyone involved. And while some healing took place, the damage had already taken its toll. Several volunteers left the ministry, some even left the church.
As the pastoral overseer responsible for that ministry, I was heartbroken. I carried the weight of it all, while wounded and in need of healing myself. Much of my heart and calling in ministry has been to shepherd those hurt in and by “the church.” While each person’s experience is unique, there are common patterns and ways to walk with the wounded.
When we’re hurting, especially from within the church, our perspective can become clouded—even distorted. The enemy of our souls seeks to twist our understanding of God and His character.
I love this powerful truth shared by Dr. Alison Cook:
“Separate the church hurt from God’s character. Some aspects of God’s character are crystal clear throughout the Bible. If you feel busted up or beaten down by a church community, it’s important to step back and remind yourself who God is—apart from the hurtful actions of others.”
Scripture is filled with rich truth about God’s mānoa (solid, vast, deep) character. And the life of Jesus is a clear display of the Father’s heart—full of compassion, justice, grace, and truth.
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness …”
Exodus 34:6 NIV“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations …”
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
Numbers 23:19 NIV“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments …”
Romans 11:33 NIV“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 NIV“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest …”
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
