I have literally been in church all of my life.  I have vivid memories of cutting my teeth on the hard wood pews where we sat, fifth row back on the left side, close to the center aisle.  I remember people like Brother Mac, Sister Elsie, Brother Dean and Sister Dean, Sister Thelma and Her sister Vernon.  I always thought it was funny that all of their first names were “brother” or “sister.”  I remember my mom & dad’s friends; Jack & Joni, Ruby & Harold, Mike & Sheryl, Linda & Skeeter. Then I had my friends, Renae, Wayne, Denise, Gemmia & Sean.  We really were a close church family, and the members of that family are what make my memories such fond ones.

Still, growing up in our church there was a lot about how we did church that I didn’t really understand.  I did what ever I was told to do, because I was afraid that if I asked a question about Why we did what we did then I would be questioning God, and . . .well. . . .  “we’re not supposed to question God.”  I believed everything I was taught, and for the most part what I was taught was solid teaching.  But looking back at some of our practices, some of our customs, has left me wondering why we did things the way we did them.

I read a book a couple of weeks ago by Matthew Paul Turner called Churched.  Its a relatively lighthearted read.  Turner reflects over his childhood  growing up in Church.  I can identify with so many of his stories and  thankfully I can laugh about our similar experiences.  I’m no worse for wear from my childhood in church.  Like I said I was taught truth, and the teaching was generally sound teaching.

When I finished reading that book, I began to think of all the stories I’ve heard of others, who do not have such fond memories of church.  It always breaks my heart to hear a story of a person who was “hurt” by the church.  Countless stories can be heard today of people who were molested, verbally abused, and financially ripped off by people who called themselves “christians.”  Leaders who called themselves “pastors.”

I don’t know what your experience has been with church.  Maybe you have the good memories like I have, even ones you can look back and laugh about.  But maybe, you’re still dealing today with hurt, pain, disillusionment because of people who claimed to represent “the Church” of Jesus.

I pray today for you.  I pray that you will be healed, restored, and that you will see Jesus not as the icon of a group of abusers, but as a friend who hurts because you were hurt in His name.  May you see that church was meant to be a good thing, not a bad thing.

How would you describe your past “church” experiences?  Maybe this is a good place for us to laugh and cry together.