Diagnosis

This weekend our church is involved in a diagnostic process with some of the denominational leaders in our state. The process is designed to help congregations become as healthy as they can be in order to best fulfill the mission of making new disciples for Jesus in our particular area. I'm excited about the potential outcome of this weekend's work, though there is some anxiety associated with it. That's always the case when we're asked to yield our control and trust God fully.

Part of the process is hard, as each of us are asked to face the ways we have not been faithful to the great commission of Matthew 28:19. No one likes to see where we've fallen short. We'd all rather hear how well we've done in certain areas as opposed to how we've failed in other areas. I suspect this is what keeps a lot of churches from self-examination and from steps toward health.

I guess it's kind of like experiencing a certain set of physical symptoms, and finally going to a physician. If diagnostic work reveals heart disease, it's not particularly helpful for the doctor to go on and on, saying, "My goodness your lungs are in good shape. Your eyesight is wonderful for a person you're age. And your skin; sure sure take care of your skin well." The heart disease needs to be named, and a treatment plan needs to be formed.

It's hard. I imagine that people diagnosed with heart disease or cancer are frustrated by being defined by the disease, regardless of how well they are doing or have done in other health areas. But, until the debilitating or potentially fatal condition is identified and addressed, all other health is in jeopardy.

Ultimately, it is the health of the Body of Christ and the fulfillment of Jesus' missional command that matters. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.