It never ceases to amaze me how many churches there are that talk freely and honestly about the grace of God, yet at the same time create an environment that is totally contrary to that very concept of grace. Environments of grace are places of freedom, creativity, hope, trust, and mutual responsiveness. These environmnets point people toward the grace of Jesus by means of mutual displays of it among the congregation. They applaud creativity and allow for an openness about struggles, doubts, and fears among people. It is in places like this that non-believers feel welcomed, and where Christians can fully grow and flourish.
Grace Environments, however, have a counter. These counters are what Philip Yancey called communities of “Ungrace.” Communities of Ungrace are environments where frear, distrust, condemnation, and legalism flourish. These contexts undermine the teaching on the grace of God, however strong it might be, by their lifestyle. Anywhere where members of a church fear others finding them out, or where their individualdifferences are distinctly highlighted, or where the doctrines of men are central you will find communities of ungrace.
This is so important to remember because contrary to what many think it isn’t enough to simply have a church that teaches the right things. If your church lives in a way that is totally contradictory to the teaching ministry it will undermine the very validity of what is said by the teachers. Life matters, and life influenced by doctrine is what marks a true church of grace.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 