Over the past few years, I’ve seen more stories than I’d like to admit about churches imploding, church leaders having moral failings, and people being wounded. Some of those stories hit close to home. Some are miles away. All of them grieve me.
I hate the way sin steals, kills, and destroys. I hate how one person’s secret or pride or hunger for power can cause ripple effects that damage real people’s faith, trust, and sense of belonging. I’ve found myself praying for healing more lately. For the wounded. For those who've walked away. For those hanging on by a thread.
But I’ve also been reflecting on something that brings me peace.
The Kingdom of God never stops moving.
Even when organizations fall, the Kingdom stands. Even when names are tarnished, the name of Jesus remains beautiful. And even when a church building closes its doors, the gates of hell are still no match for the Church Jesus is building.
So here’s something I want you to hear from me as your pastor: I love Hope Community Church. I love this community deeply. But please, can we all commit to never protecting the name of Hope at the expense of honoring the Kingdom?
Hope could disappear someday—and I pray it doesn't—but the Kingdom of God will keep advancing.
That means we don’t have to get defensive. We don’t have to hide our mistakes. We don’t have to spin a story to make things sound better than they are. We just get to be honest. Confess. Repent. Heal. And keep following Jesus.
The Church doesn’t grow through polish and PR. It grows through humility, truth, grace, and Jesus. Let’s continue to be that kind of church.
peace,
Nick
Art: "No Second Thoughts" by Claire Desjardins
I hate the way sin steals, kills, and destroys. I hate how one person’s secret or pride or hunger for power can cause ripple effects that damage real people’s faith, trust, and sense of belonging. I’ve found myself praying for healing more lately. For the wounded. For those who've walked away. For those hanging on by a thread.
But I’ve also been reflecting on something that brings me peace.
The Kingdom of God never stops moving.
Even when organizations fall, the Kingdom stands. Even when names are tarnished, the name of Jesus remains beautiful. And even when a church building closes its doors, the gates of hell are still no match for the Church Jesus is building.
So here’s something I want you to hear from me as your pastor: I love Hope Community Church. I love this community deeply. But please, can we all commit to never protecting the name of Hope at the expense of honoring the Kingdom?
Hope could disappear someday—and I pray it doesn't—but the Kingdom of God will keep advancing.
That means we don’t have to get defensive. We don’t have to hide our mistakes. We don’t have to spin a story to make things sound better than they are. We just get to be honest. Confess. Repent. Heal. And keep following Jesus.
The Church doesn’t grow through polish and PR. It grows through humility, truth, grace, and Jesus. Let’s continue to be that kind of church.
peace,
Nick
Art: "No Second Thoughts" by Claire Desjardins