One of the leaders of...
Illustration
One of the leaders of the church asked to address the congregation one Sunday morning.
The leader told of a very serious personal problem. He felt that because of the situation
that he should immediately resign from all church positions. He said he knew that people
looked up to him and would be disappointed. The whole thing started rather innocently
but soon became an addiction that took the love and support of his wife and family to get
him through. His family stood before him as he spoke.
Before concluding he asked the congregation to keep him in their prayers. It was one of those emotionally charged Sunday mornings that is hard to keep from crying. People were shocked, unsure what to say or do. Everyone was thinking how could anything like this happen to such a fine individual?
The pastor invited people from the congregation to come and lay hands on the person as a prayer was offered. Just about everyone in church that morning came forward or stood in support of this man.
With prayers, as well as the love and support of family and friends, Barry overcame his problem. An amazing thing took place in the life of that congregation. People begin admitting having other temptations and struggles. Now, thanks to Barry, they had the courage to confront their problems head on. People were more open to admit their problems and shortcomings and in the process they were healed. The congregation experienced a spiritual renewal as people began praying for one another and began holding each other accountable.
Before concluding he asked the congregation to keep him in their prayers. It was one of those emotionally charged Sunday mornings that is hard to keep from crying. People were shocked, unsure what to say or do. Everyone was thinking how could anything like this happen to such a fine individual?
The pastor invited people from the congregation to come and lay hands on the person as a prayer was offered. Just about everyone in church that morning came forward or stood in support of this man.
With prayers, as well as the love and support of family and friends, Barry overcame his problem. An amazing thing took place in the life of that congregation. People begin admitting having other temptations and struggles. Now, thanks to Barry, they had the courage to confront their problems head on. People were more open to admit their problems and shortcomings and in the process they were healed. The congregation experienced a spiritual renewal as people began praying for one another and began holding each other accountable.
