A Support Group for a Bunch of Broken People?

Years ago my late friend, Dr. Richard Dobbins said, “ The primary role of the pastor is to “tend the flock” (shepherd). The secondary role of the pastor is to assist in the “healing of the saved’” (discipleship).   After we come to Christ, the question then becomes, “How much of the saved man will be saved?”  Let me explain.

Salvation may be an event, but it is lived out in process.  I love how John Wesley explained it.  He said, “I’m saved, I’m being saved, and I shall be saved.”  Then why do we at times expect perfection from those who have been forgiven?  We are often known for giving others flack instead of cutting them slack!

2 Corinthians 5:17 says it this way: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Dr. Dobbins suggests the following parenthetical additions:  “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away (and continue to pass away); behold, all things have become new (and continue to become new).”

Always remember, Christians are not perfect, just forgiven!  We should actually expect “warts” in the lives of other believers!  And on the flipside, we should never use our “warts” to excuse our on-going issues.  “The phrase, “That’s just who I am,” should never be used to justify sinful patterns or socially-unacceptable quirks that bring harm to others. 

Pastors have the unique calling and privilege to help Christians “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  My wife and I see the local church as a big support group for hurting, broken people.  The ground at the foot of the cross is level, where the same grace is afforded to us all.  Again, we’re all in process. 

Come grow with us at Hope Community Church!