In Chaper 13 (“Physician, Heal Thyself”), T. D. Jakes notes that people’s perceptions of the church run the gamut from ‘shoots its own wounded’ to extremely positive/faith-building.
Regardless where we find ourselves on that spectrum, Bishop Jakes posits that most of us would agree on the following 2 conclusions: “First, the church should be a place of healing and restoration, a bright reflection of the mercy, grace and love of our Father God. . . . Second, at present the church is not fulfilling this charge honorably or effectively . . . . the church has become a barrier to the process of forgiveness and not the conduit of grace for which it was created.”
Do you agree or disagree with Bishop Jakes? How do you feel about your calling congregation’s response to your ministry downsizing or position loss? Where have you been able to find the presence of God’s grace?
