There are times when I am ashamed of the church. The glaring inconsistencies between what we say and how we behave are often so disturbing that they make we wonder if Jesus is ashamed of us too.

We are supposed to be a welcoming people for example, and yet just a few weeks ago, I heard of a couple who were told they were not welcome in their local church because they were not married. That’s somewhat puzzling given the fact Jesus was known as a ‘friend of sinners.’ I suppose it only goes to show why ‘religious people’ found him so much of a problem and finally got rid of Him by having Him put to death.

In the same way, we are supposed to be a persuasive people, respectful of those who are different to us, allowing them to hold their beliefs however much we disagree with them. Sadly, our track record clearly shows that we regularly try to pressurize people into conforming to our expectations. Worse still we have found it all too tempting to burn dissidents at the stake even though Jesus expects His people to love their enemies and never pressurized anyone into following Him.

There are times when I am frustrated by the church too. It can appear so inward looking and so unprepared to take risks. And yet Jesus was preoccupied with the needs of others and quite prepared to risk all for God. You can’t do more than lay your life on the line can you?

But before I’m accused of being too negative or too judgmental, I would be the first to admit that when it comes to the church I am part of the problem. I readily recognise that if I ever found a perfect church the last thing I should do is join it. I know because I would ruin it immediately.

And thankfully, I have to admit that for all its faults, there are times when I am extremely proud of the church too. I felt like that last week when I was privileged to be in Pembroke Town hall and watch some twenty local people being commissioned as ‘Response Pastors.’

‘Response Pastors’ are ‘Street Pastors’ who have received additional appropriate training and as such will provide crucial additional support for the emergency services in the event of a crisis or emergency. Their primary task is to offer support and compassion to anyone in need. They are willing to be called on at any time of the day or night and cost the taxpayer nothing.

On one occasion, Jesus told the crowds that He expected his followers to make a difference in the world around them. “You are the salt of the earth,” he said, but then added: “What good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden,” he continued. “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Given all this, I reckon He would be thrilled to bits with this latest response to His challenge. I’m certainly praising my Heavenly Father for what this group of His followers are up to.

Rob James is a Baptist Pastor broadcaster and writer who currently operates as a church and media consultant for the Evangelical Alliance Wales. He is available for preaching and teaching throughout Wales and can be contacted at [email protected]