Times Of Restoration

No church is perfect. No church has ever been perfect. No church will ever be perfect.

No matter how much you love your church, there will be something; some aspect, some trait... will bug you, bother you, not set well at times or be a slight more disconcerting than you might expect.

That said, there are many signs and many blogs written about the noteworthy points of character and culture that lead one to the conclusion that they have stepped into a healthy church. As witnessed recently, the ability for a church to act and offer a haven for ministers that have experienced failure in their ministry is crucial.

We hear of pastors and ministry leaders experiencing failure, for any number of reasons and to devastating results. Families ripped apart; congregations split as though someone was slicing and dicing dinner preparations, churches close and communities suffer... reality is bleak, the struggle is real and the results can't be denied.

On the flip side... to allow a space for a pastor and his or her family to step into a congregation where they can be ministered to and receive healing... from the body of Christ, and from the Lord as He works anew and afresh in their hearts, lives and family members is pretty incredible. It's to be a time for the to God to do the miraculous in their lives, rather focusing on working through their lives.

It is a time of healing.
It is a time of restoration.
It is a time of renewal
It is a time of rejuvenation.
It is a time of preparation.

When the process is complete, there is a release. And that day is phenomenal. Friends experienced just such moment of release in recent days. Having been unanimously selected to step into a senior Pastoral position, after having served as missionaries in Europe and pastored several other churches previously, God is launching them again... to accomplish the work of the Gospel with a newfound level of experience and appreciate for the struggles they will encounter. Their fall and recovery has been no easy road, I'm certain. In fact, as I don't know the details, I can't begin to fathom. But I know God will use what the enemy meant to destroy their lives to minister grace and redemption to those who await in the community they are about to serve.

Join me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for my friends and many like them, as dawn rises on this new day; the new chapter in the lives and ministry. Pray for continued grace as they step back into the work God has called them. Pray God would do the miraculous in this community they move into; to be God's hand and feet extended, as they have received in this period of restoration. Pray for pastors and families experiencing failure or on the verge of discovering they are in this place... may the find a haven of healing and recovery as well, in a church that will love and support them, encourage and pray over them; and speak life and healing into their hearts and minds; that the truth of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit would accomplish the incredible.

Fulfilling the calling of God
His plans and purposes to bring Him glory.
Despite our failed efforts and attempts that reach devastating levels.
May God hear their cries and come quickly to their side.
From having holes to being made whole.

- PNC

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