People sometimes ask us what is the most difficult part of the work of church development. That is not a hard question to answer. The most difficult task is what Paul writes about in Colossians 1:19-20: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus Christ], and through him to reconcile all things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Bringing peace to those in conflict is truly the most difficult of all vocations. In fact, it can lead to bloodshed. Just ask Jesus. Recently there was a regional meeting of CRC of Haiti churches. During the meeting a conflict erupted between two pastors who have worked together for eleven years. Unbelievably, the conflict actually came to blows, with three participants physically restrained. Of course, the brouhaha exploded into public scandal, ending up before the local magistrate who actually demanded the parties to repent and pray together for forgiveness (imagine that happening at your local courthouse!). Last week, Zach attended a service of discipline and reconciliation for these regional leaders. The three pastors who exchanged blows repented and embraced each other publicly. Each pastor was put under discipline (they cannot function as pastors for three months). It is truly a miracle that three men who physically attacked each other are willing to be reconciled at all. Truly, Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit is reconciling creation and human beings to himself (and to each other). Please pray that these three pastors will not have "second thoughts" about their admissions. Pray also that the churches will not suffer from the discipline of their shepherds. As long as Christian brothers and sisters are praising God, doing potlucks and summer picnics, church development isn't all that bad. But reconciliation--now that's a contact sport!
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