Regardless of the politics boiling behind the scenes, the church itself is still great. They teach the Word faithfully, support missions and small groups (necessary for a church this size), have the usual ministries (youth, singles, women, men, community outreaches), and have great worship. We have had the benefit of many a renowned speaker, and seen fruit from partnerships with other local ministries. Most of all, we have grown spiritually here and taken opportunities to get involved in community and others' lives. Being involved on the worship band has definitely helped me grow as a musician, at the very least. By any generous account, there is a lot of good at the church. Or maybe I am too naive.
So how should we interpret the latest goings-on at the church? We ought to understand that Satan is always at work to dismantle the work of the church everywhere. Introducing descent and causing conflict is one of his most effective ways, taking advantage of human frailty of the leadership and members. It is perhaps time for the church to re-evaluate while they figure out a (better) way forward in light of what is happening. It ought to be transparent, disclosing the whole truth to the congregation regarding the questions that will arise. It is not time to flee the church (as many will feel like doing), or even shifting blame (as some are already doing), but to weather this thicket together. We might not know the magnitude of what is going on, but we ought to be confident that where the Spirit is, the Church will stand. For the time being, we will stay at our church and wait to see how things turn out (and especially learn the truth behind this turmoil). This is either a simple transition (people come and go in any church situation), or there is something deeper we will soon learn about.
