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Michael's Ministry Experience

22 year old entrepreneur and aspiring missionary

When I went to a church college in California a few years ago, I don't know what I was expecting. I guess I thought, perhaps, that nothing would go wrong, because I was now in the house of the lord. I thought that everyone would carry the joy of the lord, and especially those who walked the stage. Maybe I wanted to be noticed...To be shocked by how different that place would be, from the outside world. What I found, was frankly, the opposite.

I was surprised when I met the pastor of my ministry school in real life. He is semi famous online, and is a great preacher. Once you get involved in a church, you will quickly realize that what we think of those who walk the stage, is a made up image of perfection. I held bitterness for a while, because I believed that he owed me more of a warm welcome, and more of his attention. I did much of his videography, and many times I felt like I was simply being used or taken advantage of. It would be nice if your pastor was as perfect as he seemed on T.V, and it would maintain the false expectation we put on them. But in reality, once again, nobody, not even a pastor, is without flaws.

Leviticus 19:4. 4“ 'Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God."

This is an intense adjustment once getting involved in a church or ministry, and holding this false expectation for people, even churches, will always leave you disappointed. There are many different times where the bible addresses expectations in different scenarios, but here is one in particular:

Jesus said, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return…” Luke 6:35

There are so many opportunities to be offended, and leave the church community. Many times, we don't realize that as christians, it is so important to be considerate of others, because we ourselves are representations of Jesus. We may be the best example of Jesus that someone ever gets, and if we do not steward that well, then we may cause a brother to stumble, and turn away from the faith.

This reminds me of the scripture, Luke 17:2

“It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (NIV)

Of course, no one is perfect, not even a christian, so we will all make mistakes and hurt people. Walking in humility and grace is so important for this very reason. When we do make a mistake, making amends should be the first priority before being right, or proving a point. Although you can voice your concerns and opinions, doing so with love and with humility is the best way to go about these delicate situations.

Discussing these experiences and talking through feelings is also necessary to overcome church hurt. Although some may see this as gossiping, it is all about the intention behind it. If it is solely to slander, and spread conflict, then this is referred to as “wicked” in the bible” Righteous anger, however, can be appropriate at certain times, as Jesus demonstrated in the church temple. Michael Johnson, a 22 year entrepreneur, and aspiring missionary, shares his experience within the church.

Michael says, “Church is a dangerous place for most. It should be a safe space for all, but sadly that is not our reality. People are fake. People in church Judge. They criticize, but they follow with words of “I am here for you, and I care about you” Which is not always true. The bible warns us that there will be false prophets, so this is no surprise to us. It’s like we go into church, expecting these people to be different from the world, but we soon find that sometimes they can even be worse. Christians are still people that suck , just like everyone I've ever met in high school.

Church hurt is real, and these feelings are valid. Sometimes Christians will tell you that you can’t be angry because you are a christian. Sometimes church, and even the bible will make you feel shameful for having emotions. Although feelings are fleeting and oftentimes twisted by the enemy, God gave us emotions. He does not want us to just dismiss them, and feel guilty for being hurt, or judging someone. He did not come here to condemn us, but rather to forgive us. He knows that humans are going to be. The church should also realize that feelings are real, and a perfect smile that is a lie, is a sin just like an angry yell. People think you can't be truthful because people will think it’s rude. But in honesty, it is worse to lie to a brother, and it shows you do not care about them. If someone loves you, they will tell you the truth in love, so that you no longer sin.

However, on the flip side, members of the church are not as bad as you think. They are just like you .The only difference between these people and the rest of the world is that they are pursuing Jesus. It is not that we are better than them, it is just that we know there is something better out there. It is important we find grace and mercy because they are struggling just like we all are. It is easy to forgive someone who does not know any better, but forgiving a christian who should know better, is just as important.

There are so many chances and situations for you to be offended, hurt, and judged.Throughout my ministry experience in LA as well as Arizona, I learned to give grace and realize that people are just people. They don’t know what they are doing. Like Jesus said as he as murdered on the cross, Forgive them father, for they know not what they do.

Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”