Be-Attitudes for the Church

This is the book I had to write. It has been in the back of my mind probably since even before I acknowledged a call to the ministry over sixteen years ago. A lifetime spent in the church has privileged me to share in those glorious times written of by the psalmist, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). I am firmly convinced there is no fellowship in all the earth which can compare with that to be found within the church. However, I am familiar with the other side, too. I know the tragedy of “church trouble.” Few things are worse; few things uglier.

Cords of love, bonds of peace scissored ruthlessly! Bitterness, guilt, and heartbreak behind the pulpit, in the pew and on both sides of the aisle! Sometimes we say, “Is it the work of the devil?” In our more charitable and objective moments we attribute it to “misunderstanding.” And at such latter times we are close to the truth, certainly much closer than when we hurl charges of carnality back and forth across the trenches.

Why are we so easily threatened? How can we avoid threatening others? The following pages represent a very modest attempt to answer those questions, toward the goal of a vital, dynamic, relevant church in every community