Redundant Resolutions

In recent weeks, various people from my church have inquired upon my abscence from services. To some, I have been forthright and honest in my answers. Others, however, have no clue in the reason. While still others, could not care less nor have an interest in my absence. Regardless of the possible lack of interest, I will acquaint the true reason for recent omissions.

In the post, The Destructive Power of Dissension, I spoke of the abnormal amount of dissension in my church. In the year that has passed since, the few instances of improvement have been adumbrated by the copius quantity of negativity. Im my opinion, our church's leadership is not leading, instead, it is merely subjecting their opninions on the congregation. Disagreements will occur, but unless all parties involved decide to bend a little, issues will find a breaking point, leaving ill feelings between sanctions. The result is not only harmful to the church, but to the individuals as well.

For years, our church has had the same leadership. This of course, does not include our pastorship. Nevertheless, I must ask this: has our church improved during the last decade? I do not imply that our attendence has not grown since, because it has both risen and receded in that time. Rather, I am asking if the attendees of our church feel better in their relationship with God after they attend a service or while they become involved with the politics of the church? I for one do not, and have not in quite some time.

Let us dwell upon why this is so. If we stand aside and analyze our 'leadership,' what would we honestly have to say? Personally, I believe that they are doing what they think is best. Having said this, I ask: is their best good for the church or themselves and their comrades? The narcissism and arrogance of our 'leaders' make me ill.

I see genuinely good people at our church. The problem is that those good people have no authority. That power belongs to the same people year in and year out. I do not infer that our leadership is merely the members of SPRC, but rather those who are of influence in the church, as well. Names do not need to be mentioned, but who they are, is known.

These people, like most of us, are merely human. The difference lies with the fact that most of us know our limits and when our opinions should be pressed and when they should not. When in power for too long, people will begin to believe that their opinions matter above everyone else's. When this occurs, it is time to either abolish power or have it abolished. If we live above our influence it will be the demise of not only ourselves, but the very institution we were once dedicated to advocate. These people should step back and learn to seek God, rather than pursuing power in His name.

What it comes down to for me is this: I do not want to attend a church where the love of our Creator is diminished by the accession of self-righteousness. I wish to be in a place that inspires me to live by God's laws, rather than resenting His house.

Agree or not, this is how I feel.

-Brian