Am I A Functioning Church Member?

A friend of mine gave me a book tonight that I had been hearing a lot of good things about. I have always been an avid reader and from time to time, I will talk about a book that I read and enjoyed with another book lover. VERY SELDOM, do I go on and on about a book....proclaiming it a must read! However, the book that I was given tonight, is just that!

"I Am A Church Member" by Thom S. Rainer is an amazing book that EVERY church member, regardless of the denomination of your church, should run out and buy!

It has six short yet powerful and moving chapters. After each chapter there is a pledge that you can pray about and then hopefully make. It is only 75 pages long, so it is possible to read it in its entirety in a couple of hours. It is a straight shooter in its approach to make the reader dig deep in their heart and ask themselves the tough questions...."Am I a functioning member of my church?" "Do I serve or do I expect to be served?"  "Do I minister?" "Am I trying to be a blessing to others?"  :Do I encourage gossip?" "Do I seek unity in my church?" "Am I willing to be inconvenienced?" "Do I have to have my own way?" "Do I pray for my pastor, even though he is my husband?" "Is my family worshipping together as we should?" "Do I treasure the gift of membership?"

All of these questions and more are what you will be asking yourself as you read. As I read, I realized, sadly, that even though I am the pastor's wife, I fall very short of being a "functioning" member. I am not sure that I have ever looked upon my membership as a gift. I do now! Many of the no no's in this book, are things that I have done (and do) whether it is consciously or unconsciously! Goodness, you would think I'd know better!

There have only been two books that I have read that I have thought powerful enough to call "life changing."

1. "Battlefield Of The Mind" by Joyce Meyer. (I read it once every year!)
2. "So Long, Insecurity" by Beth Moore

Now, I can add this to that very short list of mine!

God has really moved swift and furiously in my heart as I have read this book! It is powerfully thought provoking. It has made me want to seek forgiveness from those I may have hurt in my church! It has moved me toward forgiveness and allowed me to let go of grudges I have held onto. It has spanked me! It has stepped on my toes! It has me desiring unity in my church family.

Like I said, LIFE CHANGING!