How many of you just “love” your church?  I mean you just love everything about it.  Ah, yes I see those hands.  Okay, how many of you like your church, BUT…?  Oh, WOW!  I think I see almost everyone’s hand and some of you are raising two hands!!!  You like your church, BUT the music is too loud, they don’t sing enough hymns (or they sing too many hymns), the guest speaker’s theology is wrong, the youth group is worldly (or they don’t have a youth group), the pastor preaches about repentance every other sermon, so and so is always complaining against the leadership, or maybe the service never ends at 12 sharp.  Okay, okay, please sit down.

    To address the first group, what… you don’t have any complaints… where do you attend church?  Sounds like you have found heaven on earth.  Congratulation to you who have found a church that fits in with your theology, beliefs, tastes, etc.  Keep attending there and be blessed and be a blessing.

    To address the second group, wow, I am shocked at your response!  *Please calm down.*  Let me summarize this, you have problems with your church and…  what’s that… oh, please forgive me.  *ahem* Let me summarize this, your church has problems!  I have the solution for this group, and it’s coming right up; just hold your horses! *Trumpet Fanfare*

    Something about your church is always getting under your skin.  There are some annoyances that just keep nagging you week after week.  I have good news, you are not alone in your aggravation.  Virtually everyone who has attended a church has found something about that church which they did not like.  Here come the points rapid fire.

    Every person in your church is a sinner the same as you are.  No one can attain moral perfection in this life.  Wherever Christians come together you will find sinful natures that have not been fully subjugated to the work of the Holy Spirit.  You, however, are only responsible for your own actions and conduct.  We are told to bear with one another’s weaknesses.  We all have our own character struggles and we are commanded to be patient and forgiving towards others in their weaknesses.

    Perhaps the most distressing thing concerning the church is when the theology that is presented runs counter to your biblical interpretation and beliefs.  First, carefully examine both sides of an issue and then, with prayer, biblical consideration, and perhaps a talk with the pastor, draw a conclusion that you feel is balanced and correct.  If you find that the church’s position is in error it may be well if you find another church to attend.  On the other hand, you may find that you can overlook discrepancies in regards to the finer points of doctrine.  Voicing your concerns with other members of the congregation will most likely create division without producing beneficial results.   

    A worldly youth group could potentially be a problem.  Objectively look at the character of the youth who attend your church youth group.  Do you find the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives?  Is their conversation mature and productive?  Will they be friends who have a positive influence on you?  These are honest questions which should be asked of any youth group.  If something is not beneficial to you, you should not devote your time, energy, and efforts to that thing.  I am by no means condemning youth groups.  Ask these questions of your youth group (if you have one at your church) and examine their emphasis and maturity.

    Anything else I mentioned will fall under the annoyances category.  My advice here is to be patient and bear with the annoyance.  It is, honestly, not a life and death issue whether the music reaches 96 decibels on Sunday morning (though that is pretty loud).  If you absolutely can not come to terms with the annoyance that is driving you mad, then make a complaint/suggestion (in humility) and see if that annoyance dissipates.  Of course, you can always show up late and miss the loud songs.

    So, to sum this all up in reference to my recent church contemplations.  No church ever turned out perfect saints.  Saints, yes.  Perfect, no.  Morally imperfect humans can be found everywhere, even underneath the steeple.  Theology- best to find a new location if you can’t bring yourself to reconciliation.  Youth group- ask the hard questions and learn the honest answers.  Music volume and annoyances- bear with them or learn to love ‘em.