Churches, church leaders, and

people in churches have made a lot of mistakes over the years. We've

embarrassed ourselves, damaged our effectiveness, and worst of all, we've

disappointed God.

When someone barks, "The

church is full of hypocrites," you know what I hate most? They're

right. The church is full of hypocrites (and, as you'll read in a

moment, at times I'm one of them).

When someone sneers, "Preachers

are just money-hungry and sex-crazed," you know what infuriates me

most? In too many cases the statement proves true. It's been documented

and splashed across newspapers and newscasts worldwide.

Churches have provided fodder

sufficient for decades of criticism.

Even so, I love the church.

No, really, I do. I'm not just saying that because I'm a preacher.

My salary doesn't depend on glowing descriptions of all that's

ecclesiastical. Warts and all, I love the church.

Why? For more reasons than

I could mention in one column. Here's the top three.

I love the church because I'm

not the only one there who's messed up. I can confide in other Christians,

"I've had a tough time this week." Or even, "I did

something selfish yesterday; I need you to pray with me for the strength

to apologize." And nobody asks for my resignation. In fact, they

identify with me. They've been there. They can help me grow from

the experience and move on as a better Christian.

Furthermore, I love the church

because it enables me to connect meaningfully with others. I crave friendships

with people I can trust. Life as a lone ranger lacks the love, laughs,

and support that makes life not only bearable, but enjoyable. I want buddies

to watch football with, and I want to know those buddies share the values

and perspectives I hold dear. I want pals who say, "How are things

going at home?" as readily and naturally as they say, "Pass

the pizza." I've found no better source of such friends than

church.

Ultimately, though, I love

the church because it enables me to connect with God. I want to know there's

something more than this life. The maze between sunrise and sunset doesn't

satisfy me. The months between birth and death leave me wanting. Clock

in, clock out, check the clock countless times in between - surely

there's more to life. I want to connect with something bigger, something

eternal. Something that matters. I hunger for a connection with God.

God stands above life's

monotony. He sees beyond the cause-and-effect cycles that entrap humanity.

He works in spite of the failings of His church. That's what I want

to connect with. Or better said, that's who I want to connect with.

Church enables this connection.

Through the people of the church I experience God's love. Through

the ministries of the church I experience His purpose. Through the heritage

of the church I experience His eternal nature. Through the sacraments

of the church I experience His holiness. Through the flaws of the church

I experience His grace.

Through the church I experience

God. And that, vastly beyond any other reason, is why I love - really

love - the church.

(Daniel Overdorf is the senior

minister of Fayetteville Christian Church, located at New Hope and Hickory

Roads in Fayetteville. He may be heard each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as a

part of the church's weekly worship. Daniel may be contacted at the

church office - 770-461-8763 - or at [email protected].)

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