Finding Healing in the Midst of Church Hurt

 

Summary

In today's message, we embarked on a new series addressing the often unspoken issue of "church hurt." This series is designed to bring healing to those who have been wounded by the church, a place meant to be a sanctuary of healing and support. Church hurt is a reality that many have faced, leading to disillusionment and separation from the body of Christ. However, the same church that has caused pain is also the vessel through which God desires to bring healing and restoration.

We acknowledged the deep wounds that can be inflicted by those within the church, whether through judgmental remarks, exclusion, or moral failures of leaders. Yet, we also recognized that some of what is labeled as church hurt is self-induced, rooted in pride and an unwillingness to forgive. It's crucial to confront these issues head-on, to pull up our "big boy britches," and to seek spiritual maturity and healing.

The metaphor of the church as a body, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, reminds us of our interconnectedness and the importance of staying connected to the body of Christ. Disconnection leads to being uncovered, unprotected, and unkept, making us vulnerable to spiritual harm. Just as a sheep is not meant to live alone, we are not meant to navigate our spiritual journey in isolation.

We explored the dangers of disconnecting from the church, emphasizing the need for spiritual covering and community. The church, despite its imperfections, is God's chosen instrument for our growth and protection. We are called to bear one another's burdens, forgive, and love each other, reflecting the unity and love of Christ.

As we continue this series, we will delve deeper into issues of unforgiveness, bitterness, and the spirit of offense. The goal is to bring healing and to ensure that the church becomes a place where hurt is not perpetuated but healed. Let us commit to being a community that supports and uplifts one another, recognizing that we all need the church and each other to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Church Hurt is Real but So is Healing: Church hurt is a genuine issue that many have experienced, leading to disillusionment and separation from the church. However, the hope of healing is just as real, and God desires to bring restoration through the very institution that caused the pain. Healing can begin today if we are willing to confront the hurt and seek God's grace. [11:34]

2. The Dangers of Disconnection: Disconnecting from the church leaves us uncovered, unprotected, and unkept. We are vulnerable to spiritual harm when we isolate ourselves from the body of Christ. Staying connected provides spiritual covering, community, and support, which are essential for navigating life's storms. [30:01]

3. Self-Induced Church Hurt: Not all church hurt is inflicted by others; some of it is self-induced, rooted in pride and an unwillingness to forgive. We must examine our own hearts and be willing to let go of offenses, recognizing that no church or person is perfect. Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond our pain and allowing Jesus to restore what was broken. [16:46]

4. The Church as a Body: The metaphor of the church as a body highlights our interconnectedness and the importance of unity. We are called to bear one another's burdens, forgive, and love each other. This unity reflects the love of Christ and is essential for the church to function as God intended. [28:31]

5. The Role of Spiritual Covering: Spiritual covering is vital for protection and growth. Just as a family is protected under the leadership of a godly head, the church provides a covering for its members. We must submit to this covering and support one another in our spiritual journeys, ensuring that we are not left vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. [38:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - Introduction to Church Hurt Series
- [02:31] - The Reality of Church Hurt
- [03:29] - Compassion and Healing
- [04:25] - The Church's Role in Healing
- [05:49] - Personal Reflections and Prayer
- [07:00] - Testimony of Wounded Faith
- [08:23] - Scandals and Accountability
- [10:05] - Judgment and Exclusion
- [11:34] - Apology and Acknowledgment
- [14:10] - The Hope of Healing
- [15:43] - Self-Induced Church Hurt
- [19:02] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- [21:36] - The Importance of Connection
- [25:25] - Dangers of Disconnecting
- [30:01] - Spiritual Covering and Community
- [34:03] - Vulnerability and Protection
- [38:03] - Spiritual Covering in the Home
- [44:02] - The Unkept Sheep
- [49:24] - One Another Commands
- [51:06] - Communion and Healing
- [59:49] - The Need for the Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Church Hurt and Healing

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
2. Matthew 18:12-14
3. Galatians 6:2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 12, how does Paul describe the church, and what does this metaphor suggest about the relationships within the church? [27:06]

2. In Matthew 18:12-14, what action does the shepherd take when one sheep goes astray, and what does this reveal about the shepherd's priorities? [19:02]

3. The sermon mentioned that some church hurt is self-induced. What are some examples given that illustrate this point? [16:46]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual covering within the church, and what are the consequences of disconnecting from this covering? [30:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the metaphor of the church as a body in 1 Corinthians 12 imply about the importance of each member's role and the impact of division within the church? [28:31]

2. In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14), why might the one sheep have strayed, and how does this relate to the concept of church hurt discussed in the sermon? [21:36]

3. The sermon suggests that some church hurt is self-induced due to pride and an unwillingness to forgive. How might this perspective change the way individuals approach their own experiences of hurt within the church? [16:46]

4. How does the concept of spiritual covering, as discussed in the sermon, relate to the idea of community and accountability within the church? [38:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from the church. What steps can you take to reconnect and seek healing within the community? [30:01]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in overcoming church hurt. Is there someone you need to forgive, and how can you begin that process this week? [11:34]

3. Consider the metaphor of the church as a body. How can you actively contribute to the unity and health of your church community? [28:31]

4. The sermon discusses the dangers of isolation. How can you ensure that you remain connected and protected within your church community, especially during difficult times? [34:03]

5. Identify a personal experience of church hurt. How can you differentiate between hurt caused by others and self-induced hurt, and what steps can you take to address each? [16:46]

6. The sermon calls for spiritual maturity in dealing with church hurt. What specific actions can you take to grow spiritually and move beyond past hurts? [03:29]

7. How can you support others in your church who may be experiencing church hurt, and what role can you play in fostering a healing environment? [14:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Healing Through the Church's Imperfections
The reality of church hurt is undeniable, as many have experienced disillusionment and separation from the church due to wounds inflicted by those within it. These wounds can stem from judgmental remarks, exclusion, or the moral failures of leaders. However, the hope of healing is just as real. God desires to bring restoration through the very institution that caused the pain. Healing can begin today if we are willing to confront the hurt and seek God's grace. The church, despite its imperfections, remains God's chosen vessel for healing and restoration. It is a place where we can find support, love, and the opportunity to grow spiritually. [11:34]

Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: Is there a specific hurt from the church that you need to bring before God today, asking for His grace and healing?


Day 2: The Necessity of Connection
Disconnecting from the church leaves us uncovered, unprotected, and unkept, making us vulnerable to spiritual harm. Isolation from the body of Christ can lead to a lack of spiritual covering and community, which are essential for navigating life's storms. Staying connected to the church provides the support and protection we need to grow and thrive spiritually. The church is a community where we can bear one another's burdens, forgive, and love each other, reflecting the unity and love of Christ. [30:01]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What steps can you take this week to strengthen your connection with your church community?


Day 3: Recognizing Self-Induced Hurt
Not all church hurt is inflicted by others; some of it is self-induced, rooted in pride and an unwillingness to forgive. It is important to examine our own hearts and be willing to let go of offenses, recognizing that no church or person is perfect. Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond our pain and allowing Jesus to restore what was broken. By confronting our own pride and choosing forgiveness, we open ourselves to the healing and growth that God desires for us. [16:46]

James 4:6-7 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Reflection: Is there an area of pride or unforgiveness in your heart that you need to surrender to God today?


Day 4: Embracing the Church as a Unified Body
The metaphor of the church as a body highlights our interconnectedness and the importance of unity. We are called to bear one another's burdens, forgive, and love each other. This unity reflects the love of Christ and is essential for the church to function as God intended. By embracing our role within the body of Christ, we contribute to the health and growth of the church, ensuring that it remains a place of healing and support for all. [28:31]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and health of your church community this week?


Day 5: The Importance of Spiritual Covering
Spiritual covering is vital for protection and growth. Just as a family is protected under the leadership of a godly head, the church provides a covering for its members. We must submit to this covering and support one another in our spiritual journeys, ensuring that we are not left vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. By embracing the spiritual covering of the church, we position ourselves to receive the guidance, support, and protection that God has designed for us. [38:03]

1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Reflection: In what ways can you submit to and support the spiritual covering of your church leadership?

Quotes

Church hurt is real. Two words, church hurt. Two words that should be diametrically opposed, yet they accurately describe the experience of so many. Church hurt is real. If you want proof, look no further than the recent headlines on the news and in your newspapers. [00:08:02]

The pain of church hurt is real, but I've got good news for us today and through the remainder of this series. The pain is real, but so is the hope of healing. I'm telling you today, I don't deny and I'm not trying to put a blanket, or hide under the cover your experience you had in the church that so deeply wounded you, but I'm telling you just as real as that experience is or was in your life, so is the hope of healing, and I am telling you this morning that healing can begin today. [00:11:57]

For too long, offenses, abuses, issues, and unforgiveness within the church have either been minimized or unresolved, and the result is Christians and churches have been lacking power because they are reeling from untreated pain, and let me tell you, when we cover up church hurt, the entire church continues to hurt, but when we find healing and we find forgiveness and when we find grace and when we move on from those things that hurt us so many years ago, the church will again walk in a power that God, God destined and designed it to walk in. [00:13:05]

Much of what we call church hurt, it's going to be a hard pill to swallow. But pull them big boy britches up and swallow it. Much of what we call church hurt, note takers write this down, is self-induced. It's amazing that when you got hurt at McDonald's, you kept going and buying their Big Macs. And when you got hurt at school, you stayed enrolled in that university. And when you got hurt at work, you still showed up and clocked in the next morning. But when the church hurts you, [00:16:31]

But if you want to live like Christ, and if you want to walk in spiritual wholeness, you will not run off to another church, and you will not quit church, and you will not quit Christ. What you will do is you will move beyond your pain and let Jesus restore what was broken. I've had to do it. So many times I've lost count. I've had to forgive church people so many times. I don't keep a record. Jesus said, don't keep a record. How many times should I forgive? Seventy times seven. In other words, Jesus said, don't keep track. Don't keep count. People are going to hurt you. They're going to wound you. [00:18:16]

And in Jesus' teachings, and when I say teachings, I don't just mean this passage we read in Matthew 18, but any time Jesus is talking about sheep and goats in His teachings, sheep always represent believers, and goats always represent unbelievers. It's interesting in this parable in Matthew 18 that Jesus did not talk about ninety-nine sheep and one goat. He talked about a hundred sheep, and ninety-nine of those stayed in the fold, and one went away. [00:20:39]

This metaphor, beautiful picture of how the body of Christ with many members, many parts operates. The apostle Paul reminds believers here in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 that we are not isolated individuals, but we are interconnected members of one body, that being the body of Christ. I've had people say, well, I don't know. I don't have to go to church to go to heaven. I don't have to be a part of the church to go to heaven. Yes, you do, friend. The church is God's institution on this earth. It's his family. It's the greatest thing. It's what you're gonna live with

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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