Offering Hope

It seems that on a regular basis I'm discovering something very unique about PBC. We are one of the few churches in our area that is actually doing a recovery ministry. For those who may not know - Recovery Ministry is a tool to help people overcome addictions, depression, the past, etc. It's an umbrella program (at least for our church) to help people overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups (big thanks to Rick Warren for the alliteration!).

My question is: WHY?

You can travel down Main Street America or any street for that matter and you will find people who live in a prison of some sorts. It could be alcoholism, drugs, abuse, neglect, depression, bitterness, unforgiveness, pornography, work...GET THE PICTURE? If that is true - AND IT IS - why aren't more churches doing something to help?

Thom Rainer said it best in his book "Simple Church" when he wrote: "Many of our churches have become cluttered. So cluttered that people have a difficult time encountering the simple and powerful message of Christ. So cluttered that many people are busy doing church instead of being the church." p.19

When Jesus cleansed the temple the Bible states that He drove out the money changers, those who sold doves, and the ones carrying things through the temple. What we find in Mark 11 is that Jesus' actions in the temple were not the result of a temper-tantrum but a zeal for encountering the presence of God. He tells them very plainly in verse 17, "Is it not written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of thieves'!"

What are we doing in our churches to keep this from happening? Have we become nothing more than a den of thieves? We must protect against merchandising the gospel while shortchanging those who come in the doors of our buildings. We must ensure that we haven't blocked access to the peace and presence of God.

I encourage all churches to open themselves up to the possibilities that God has given us. There is a hurting world all around our buildings and yet we don't offer any hope. We either keep the gospel to ourselves or only seek to help out our own. Imagine what could happen if every church said "ENOUGH!" and chose to do something about the failed marriages, addictions within their congregations, and problems in the homes. Imagine what our communities would look like without the influence of these major problems. The church stands on the verge of something wonderful in their midst if they will quit focusing inward and begin to look outward.

How often have we said that Jesus is the only hope for the world. Then let's stop waiting for them to come and find hope in our midst. Let's take hope to them! Let's do the things that are necessary to help them overcome their past failures and problems.

It won't be easy but God will bless it.