The church has been on a rapid decline over the past two decades. Approximately 3700 churches close their doors each year. Why?
I have spent my entire life going to church and when my husband and I started having children, we raised them in the church, as well.
But, after twenty-five years of totally committing to one church, we had to leave because we did not measure up to what the church believed to be true. We generously gave, served and were even on staff for a time but we fell short in the eyes of the church… We loved our gay son. It grieves me to think that we spent so many years trusting that love was the underlying principle there…but it wasn’t.Â
I believe that the church is slowly shrinking because people are seeking the unconditional love of God and finding a church that often responds with judgement instead. Though many churches do not respond in this manner, I have seen too many people turn away from the church over the years because they did not measure up to the expectations. Who would want to be part of that?
My friends, that is not who God is. God is authentic and He genuinely loves all people. His deepest desire is for human beings to reflect that love to one another.
For the love of God…seek Him directly. Find a church that expresses His love to all people.
You are loved more than you could ever imagine.
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives