I’ve finished the 6:45am prayer group.  I’ve finished my 7:30am one-on-one discipleship meeting with a church member.  I’ve sent an email reminder of our monthly men’s meeting tonight.  I’ve spent time discussing worship with our music minister.  I’ve handled two phone calls with companies biding our office printer/copier business.

I’m now reflecting on church as my stomach growls in anticipating for lunch.

There are a few things that make church difficult:

• The countless opinions and preferences from the people in the pews.
• The volunteer work force.  The majority of the work is done by volunteers – a blessing and a curse.
• The mixed bag of the highly committed and the not-so-highly committed and faithful.
• Numerous other difficulties.

Yet, as I reflect … I’m still convinced of the power of the church.

• There is no greater demonstration of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
• There is no greater demonstration of unity in the midst of diversity.
• There is no greater force for change in any given community.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

– Ephesians 3:20-21