8:00 AM WORSHIP

Ben Jones: Today I stand before you with a heavy heart. In all my 71 years I have never felt such grief. I am grieved by the obvious spirit of hostility and division in our church family. Families are divided. Church staff members are divided. The leadership of this body is divided. This division was confirmed by the mediator who publicly stated so.

After much prayer and searching of God’s word, I realize that I need to ask forgiveness of this church family. If I have offended anyone by doing or saying anything, I ask your forgiveness. I have no animosity in my heart toward anyone. I have tried to act as the duty of God’s word in 1 Timothy 5, 17 and 20. I believe that it is time for those of us who are deacons and elders to repent of any part that we have had in contributing to this division. Proverbs 6 tells us that God hates division. And I am going to ask the elders and the deacons to come and repent with me this morning, to join me in this repentance. Because, brothers and sisters, we have a deep, deep problem here at the Madison Church. (pause)

In Matthew 12:26 our Lord tells us that a divided house cannot stand. I call upon this church body this morning to repent of the antagonism that has dimmed the light of Christ on this corner here and in this community. For over 60 years this light has shown but I believe this light has almost gone out. I believe the baptized members of this congregation need to repent. I believe it is time for those of us who are in leadership to step down. (Speaking to someone) Yes, come on up.

(some muffled dialogue from Dale that cannot be heard)

Dale Bishop (apparently to Ben): Do you want me to lead the prayer?

Ben: Yeah.

Dale Bishop: Will you all bow with me please? Our heavenly father, as we approach your throne, we are remembering Lord that you are the Alpha, the very beginning and the Omega, the end. Lord, we know that this is your church and all these men that are standing on the stage and all those who are sitting, this congregation, humbly comes before you, Lord, confessing that we are sinners, that we fall short of what you would have us to be. We ask you Lord to humble our hearts, get our hearts right, get our attitude right, but most of all, Lord, we plead with you to help us to get the church right in whatever capacity we are in, whatever we do, whatever we say, that your light shines through us.