Ministry is Messy (Proverbs 14:4)

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)

I'm not sure when or where church became a place for people who had it all together.  A biblically healthy church always seems to be elbow deep in the hurt and pains of both its visitors and its members.  Thanks to the sins of this world, people have pasts, baggage, and problems that a friendly handshake won't solve.  Ignoring the pains will slow everything down, or worse completely derail the ministry.  Like in a life saving surgery, you can expect new found strength and vitality through spiritual healing, but it hurts to go under the knife...and the surgeon gets bloody. 

(Roy King - Intro to Leadership)

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