No church is perfect.
Not the church you serve.
Not the church I serve.
Not the fast-growing church near you that you’re trying not to be jealous of. Or mad at.
No Perfect Churches
In the decades I’ve been serving our congregation, there has never been a rainstorm that has not resulted in a roof leak. Not one.
And it’s not because we haven’t tried. We’ve done everything from patchwork to redoing major segments, to a huge, expensive strip-down and rebuilding of every square inch of the roof with a full 30-year warranty from a reputable roofing contractor.
But the next time it rained, what happened? The roof leaked. In fewer (and newer) places, but the water still found a way.
Recently I was in a brand-new mall and guess what they had out when the rain fell? Buckets. Same thing in the new terminal of a major international airport. And a new megachurch. And in The Home Depot – where they Sell. Roofing. Supplies!
Everyone’s roof leaks.
Different Issues, But We All Have Them
This isn’t about church buildings. Leaky roofs are a metaphor for any problem your church might have. Every other church has those issues, too. Maybe not your unique combination, exactly. But rain is rain.
It’s easy to get upset at your church’s leaks. The church members who won’t step up, the finances that never add up, and the schedule that doesn’t let up.
Those are all leaky roofs. And every church experiences them.
Their Roof Leaks, Too
This doesn’t mean you should ignore the leaks. Deal with them as best you can. But it’s not helpful to obsess over them. And it’s even worse to look at another church and wish your roof was as strong, beautiful, and leak-free as theirs seems. Because it’s not. Their roof leaks, too.
In different places than yours. With different consequences. Requiring different responses.
But everyone’s roof leaks.
Repair What You Can, Then Keep Going
So stay strong. Put out buckets that address the short-term issues. Then fix the systemic roofing problems that address the long-term issues.
But don’t be surprised when a new leak shows up. It always will.
And always remember, being inside with a healthy fellowship of believers is always good. Even under a leaky roof. It’s still better than getting stranded alone, outside, in the rain.
(Photo by aaron_anderer | Flickr)
