If you've been under a rock the past two days you might have missed the banter over the latest allegations to befall a man of the cloth. Bishop Eddie Long (a megachurch pastor out of Atlanta) is being accused of doing some God awful things with some of his congregants. You can check the story on CNN here. Every time a man of the cloth is involved in a scandal it hurts my heart. I grew up in Atlanta, I knew tons of people that went to the Bishop's chuch.
When I first started to discover faith on my own, I used to go to World Changers, Creflo Dollar's church. It was ginormous, basically like attending a concert for the Lord. There were always people who talked about how he always preached about money or how he lived a lavish lifestyle. I can't say that these comments didn't affect my experiences at the church. Afterall I couldn't understand in my 14 year old mind why a pastor would need jets or a Rolls Royce. Eventually I stopped attending. When I got to college I was able to witness a small church grow into a megachurch of sorts. The pastor (Pastor Andy Thompson) RARELY preached about giving, he only accepted "love offerings" at New Year's Eve service. I don't doubt that he lived nicely but I never felt like I was in service with a charlatan. My current pastor is only 4 years older than me, but due to the intimate nature of our church, I know him far better than my old pastor. He's genuine and doesn't live an extravagant lifestyle. Both of these men are very gifted in delivering the messages God has placed on their heart. One thing these men have in common is that they don't pretned like they are without fault, or that being saved is like a magic trick that changest you instantly. They talk about the beauty of the process, which makes them very easy to relate to and follow as guides on this spiritual journey.
I bring this up because in the wake of yet another prominent preacher involved in a scandal people everywhere are on the "that's why I don't go to church" train harder than ever. Part of me understands their sentiments, after all i was skeptical of the church at some point. Then the rejuvenated Christian in me feels really sad. It's true that church alone won't get you into heaven but I truly feel that Church is vital to your spiritual growth. The thing that I think most people don't realize is that they're picking churches for the wrong reasons. Just because the church is popular doesn't make it the church for you. Just because the choir is awesome, doesn't make it the church for you. Just because it's where the well-to-do people attend doesnt make it the church for you. Picking your church should be about your ability to grow spiritually and use your gifts to help do the work of the Kingdom.
Bishop Eddie Long may or may not have done anything with these young men, that's between him, them, and God. Would I be surprised if he did do the things he's accused of? Nope. After all he's merely a man. I don't put my faith in the pastor, I put my faith in God. I have a tremendous amount of respect for my previous two pastors. I have faith that GOD put them in my life for a reason. If they were to be involved in a scandal, surely I'd be disappointed and even hurt. They're people who I've trusted to help guide me on my spiritual journey. But I'd just pray for them, forgive them, and move on in my journey. No sin, save blasphemy, is greater than the other. Sure we want our pastors to be as infallible as possible, but often times they're very flawed. That's the beauty of God's grace, we're forgiven! If we had to be perfect to go to church, there wouldn't be a single church in existence. If we had to be perfect to get to Heaven, hell would be more crowded than a walmart on black friday hosting a Justin Bieber concert with Michael Jackson and Beyonce.
Some people will stop going to the Bishop's church, that's their decision. Some people will ride with the bishop and not learn a thing, and some folks will stay and learn the beauty of God's grace. I really hope the Bishop can recover and if he has any iniquities in his life he's able to pray and be delivered. I truly hope people can use these unfortunate circumstances for the good in there life. To see that all are welcomed who call on the Lord, that you don't have to be perfect for salvation. And for those clergymen out in the world, they can use the Bishop as motivation to be more careful in their walks, that they avoid even the appearance of sin, so that they can better lead their flocks.
Peace Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteI like the objective and even-keeled response you've offered. Yes, on one hand, it is unfortunate to see (allegations of) hypocrisy on such a grand scale. And it will undoubtedly affect his membership. But it is worth remembering that, in theory, people are at church for the Lord's word. The pastor would then just be a mouthpiece to that.
I'm that much more intrigued by what you have to say because I'm probably speaking from a different perspective on religion, yet your choice to deflect from the popular reaction of "smh" to digging for what is important is what I'm in agreement with. Thanks.
I really like the points you made. I do agree with the key reason you provided as to why people should go to church. With that said, I pose this question: "To what degree is it possible to achieve spiritual growth without ever attending church or having a belief in a higher being?"
ReplyDelete"Bishop Eddie Long may or may not have done anything with these young men, that's between him, them, and God."
ReplyDeleteHey Jeremy, I do have a problem in your response in that it misses a key part - this condemnation that is coming down on Eddie Long is his fault. He was not a pastor (such as Joel Osteen) that preaches a gospel of acceptance and love. He is a pastor that has attacked the gay community, preached intolerance, and given his members reason to continue with their divisive thoughts. All of sudden his shortcoming are between him and God? I don't think so.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI don't have an answer to your question, I could only surmise that it would depend on what belief you subscribe to. I do think it's possible for you to grow spiritually as a Christian without attending church. That being said I think your growth potential is somewhat limited without the right church. there's definitely power in fellowshipping with other believers, no matter what your belief system
@TAW
Did you have to go putting my government name all out there?!?!
The court of public opinion will undoubtedly convict him. I on the other hand will leave the judgment to God. It's unfortunate that his hypocrisy has blown up in his face (if the allegations are true). But the reality is that people are hypocrites we all want to walk it like we talk it 100% of the time but that's not the reality. I'm not familiar with all of his sermon material but I have heard that he tends to be homophobic. It's funny because we often condemn the aspects of our personality that we despise the most. And no matter what he's done at the end of the day it's between him and God. We all face judgment by ourselves.
@JTH thanks for reading, you're always so formal, like you don't know me in real life lol
@J-Full, you are absolutely correct with your full statement. The funny thing with this situation is absolutely nothing. Lives are affected and possibly destroyed because of this scandal. Prayer is needed for us all and especially all those affected by this scandal, the Bishop, his wife, family, friends, the boys/men (plantiffs) and the the congregation.
ReplyDeleteJudge not, lest we be judged. The revelation is, you never know where this life will lead you.
None of us, would want to walk in his shoes at the end of the day. We need to pray that the embarrassment of this situation will not make any of them involved, want to take their life because of this mess. Hell, life happens to all of us, maybe not on this scale, but it happens.
This is a night-weeping situation, for the true Christian, we know that JOY comes in the morning. If any of them has a simblance of a relationship with Jesus, they will know that He would never leave them or forsake them.
J-Full, keep blogging, you are doing a great job.