To the Secretary of Christ...

I don't feel rebellious. I don't feel uneasy about the course I am on. I just don't agree with who we've become.

I don't believe that 10% is what He meant. I think we hang on to it out of our need for checks and balances.

I don't believe in loyalty to the institution. I think we require it out of insecurity.

I don't believe in the priority of the 'Service' itself. I think we push it because of our need to control.

I don't believe in competing with the world. I think we do it because we lack identity.

I don't believe in the necessity of being 'cutting edge' or modernizing. I think the truth never needs adaptation, just clarification.

I don't believe in puffed up salaries that are funded by people's sacrifice. I think we are taking advantage.

i am bothered by our show when there is no sign of righteous living.

i am bothered when our song leaders are passed off as worship leaders.

i am bothered by sermons that are doctrinally incorrect and double minded.

i am bothered by the fact that many hearers wouldn't even know what is correct and what isn't.

i am bothered by the needs that go unmet because they aren't a part of our institution's focus.

i am bothered by the fact that ambition goes unrecognized and is often misrepresented as passion.

i have hope that we can do better.

i have hope that we will discover who we are in this world and to our God.

i have hope that we will grow in utilization of all we have been given.

i have hope that we will speak truth and walk out justice.

i have hope that we will one day give up our ideas
and our control of the institution
and allow ourselves to become
the Church,
a Bride,
and no longer a Secretary.
i have hope.

Isaiah 1:12-27