Some years ago, having seen the fragmentation and conflict in the relationship of pastors and congregations, I became rather concerned about the spiritual condition of the church and its ministry, and I began to raise some serious questions. Is this state a good representation of the church of God as revealed in the New Testament? How can we be effective heralds of unity and holiness and have so much conflict? Does such conflict reveal a spiritual deficit in our lives? Do we give much attention to the message and the practices of the New Testament Church?
I know different people will have different answers to these questions, but I believe that the Bible’s teaching is better. Both God and people expect better than what they see expressed in the church and by the church.
