We are having a spot of bother at our church and an emergency church council has been called to sort it out. I’m involved, so I’ll try not to take sides here: it’s important that everyone gets a proper chance to have their say.
The immediate problem concerns mission among the poor; it relates to building community in the church; and it touches on good governance. These worthy objectives sometimes conflict, and achieving long-term aims may deflect us from doing what is best for now.
This week’s lectionary epistle [1 Thessalonians, probably the earliest of all NT writings] seems to provide a useful guide to our Christian conduct in Beeston today. Paul was writing to a congregation that was devoted to its faith while living in a church community. He values “prophetic utterances” but enjoins us to “examine everything carefully” and “appreciate those who diligently labour among us, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction.” In the end he urges, “help the weak, but be patient with everyone”.
