Anna Golden is a young Christian songwriter who was

born and raised in the church. She has intimately known Jesus

since childhood, and is a worship leader at shoreline city church

in Dallas, Texas. She spoke on the topic of church hurt and how

she has been able to stay afloat after over 15 years in ministry. She

says that when one is involved in ministry for a long time, they are

bound to get hurt, offended, and wronged. “It is just part of it”. She

says.

“Not to be that person, but if you can't take it, then don’t do it.”

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Let this be a word of encouragement for someone dealing with church hurt. Let this be a fresh wind and a new outlook for the hurt a “christian” was not supposed to cause. To the ones that lifted themselves up at the expense of someone else, let this tell the story. Jesus says it best. Hanging on the cross, dying for humanity, Jesus prays for his murderers. He says,

 “Forgive them father, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:24  

Ministry is not for the faint of Heart. It is easy to love someone who is nice, the challenge is loving someone even when they are not. With Jesus, love covers a multitude of sins.  (1 Peter 4:8)  And that's a decision people make to be in ministry. She says she could write a book on ministry with all of the experiences she has had. Something profound she spoke about was a metaphor she gave about a christians relationship with God.

 “A person should never attach and anchor themselves to other people.”

This could be a leader in ministry, a preacher, a boyfriend, or just another Christian friend. 

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“When rock climbing, if they attach their rope to someone else's, when that person falls, so will they. Instead, anchor yourself to the mountain, because you know it is sturdy and will remain so. Humans will fall. Leaders will fall. Partners will fall. Churches will fall. The only thing that remains perfect is Jesus. Be anchored to Jesus, and when someone else's line is cut, yours will not be cut too.”

What ropes do you have in your life? Where are you attached to other climbers? What ropes need to be anchored to the mountain, to the firm foundation that will never fall short. The unchanging rock that will never leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) This is Jesus Christ. 

 Ropes may look different in everyone's life.  These might look like expectations, offense, strength, happiness, peace, joy, faith, or love. Where, or who, are these ropes attached to in your life? The only way these ropes will never fail is if they are attached to the mountain-  not just other climbers. Remember this, and  never allow “church hurt” to become a stronghold in your walk. 

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