In The Know...

I'm not sure what got me thinking about this, but we pray a great deal about wisdom and discernment for those who are in daily, working relationship with the pastoral and leadership team of the church. And one step removed, are the "almost".

This is another one of those, I hope that really doesn't happen, I wouldn't want to be a part of a church where that happens or whatever. But sadly, as much as we don't want to think about it, it does happen. Why? Because churches, like politics, deals with misinformation all the time.

People want to be in the know and sadly, they are often, all too eager to share it. With somebody. With anybody. And in the hands of the undiscerning, it may not matter that they don't have the whole story. They may not understand the background behind the matter. They have highlights without context. Ideals without foundations.

It's a difficult place to be, for sure. We want to believe that within the church, they are well-intentioned, perhaps not knowing the harm or damage that they are causing. Yet, depending on a whole host of factors, trouble is bound to happen... sooner or later.

So, let's pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help the leadership of the church navigating circumstance where misinformation is roaming. Pray that there would be an understanding regarding the operations and processes that take place within the church and that there would be a culture that responds the work of the leadership. May God grant wisdom in dealing with people who are in fact, purposefully creating problems. Pray the church would be a place of grace, but a place of intention; where communication matters and truth comes first.

May grace and love abound,
Even as they cover the truth as it is delivered
For the glory of God
And the church of Jesus Christ.

- PNC