How can we find happiness in an imperfect church? Perhaps the preaching is long, the songs are unfamiliar, those who preside over the Lord’s Supper mumble, the Bible class is boring, the carpet is dirty, or it’s always too hot or too cold in the building. It’s hard to invite friends to church when we see all those imperfections. Dissatisfaction can bring complaints, and often gossiping and unhappy members may threaten to leave, and sometimes do. So, how can a Christian find happiness among the saints who may not always seem like saints?

Some people close their eyes to reality. A sister who cannot endure the old curtains in the auditorium anymore shares her feelings with another. Instead of sympathizing, the other replies, “I simply don’t look at them anymore.” However, denying the problem won’t fix anything. Some search for a more perfect church, leaving one to go to another. Generally, the new church is fantastic, but with time, that church’s imperfections will become visible, and the disappointed nomad
will start searching again.

Thus, it is best to have a realistic perspective. The church is imperfect because it is composed of imperfect Christians. We all have good and bad days where our spiritual lives are either strong or otherwise. And, yes, some sermons will be boring, there will be some unfamiliar songs, some members will disappoint us, and some days we‘ll even wonder why we’re still accepted into the church. Where does this lead then?

1. Instead of complaining, do what you can to make things better. If the church is not hospitable, you can either deny it, go to another church, or start inviting people into your home, thus making the church more hospitable. If the church building seems dirty, help to clean it. Use your energy constructively, rather than negatively.
2. Practice grace among your brothers and sisters. Since you’re not perfect, don’t expect perfection from them. Rather, be patient, and help by sharing what you have learned.
3. Be a source of motivation for others. Find a few people and organize a Bible study in your home. You will do something good for the church.
4. Don’t forget the most important thing: we can focus on the curtains, carpet, and songbooks, yet forget that our goal is heaven and the sharing of the good news.

No, the church is not perfect, but Jesus, the head, is. Thank God, who permits imperfect people like us to have his perfect word and be part of his family.

Perfectly imperfect; that’s what we are.