Grace and peace in the name of the one who is seated at the right hand of God,
There’s been a lot on my heart and mind lately—reflections on life, the Church, and how we live as the Body of Christ. I find myself continually returning to the questions: Who are we? Whose are we? What are we doing? And most importantly, are we truly living as followers of Jesus in how we treat one another?
Over the years, I’ve seen how every church community faces challenges, especially when it comes to communication and how we handle one another’s stories. At times, it seems we allow gossip and assumptions to take the place of direct, compassionate conversations. We’ve all likely experienced or heard things shared that were not ours to speak of, and when that happens—whether intentionally or not—it can cause real harm, not just to individuals, but to the witness of our shared ministry.
As followers of Christ, we’re not called to perfection—but we are called to be different. Jesus didn’t ask the disciples to be fully prepared before following Him. He called them as they were, inviting them to learn, grow, and serve together. That same call comes to us: to be patient, to be flexible, to seek God in one another, and to build up the Body of Christ with grace and humility.
If we want to grow as a community of faith, we’ll need to be intentional in how we speak to and about one another. When concerns arise, let’s commit to speaking directly, kindly, and respectfully—with the person involved, whenever possible. There are many ways to reach out—by phone, email, or simply stopping by the church. These conversations, when approached with prayer and care, can bring clarity and healing.
None of us will get everything right, and that’s okay. But we can strive to be more gracious and welcoming as we walk this road together. The question we must keep asking ourselves is this: Are we living in a way that reflects the love of Christ?
Pastor Chris