05/30/2026
The complete Life Issues weekly column, written in rotation by members of the Madison County Georgia Ministerial Association (MCMA), will appear on the MCMA site one week after its original publication in the printed (Friday) edition of the Madison County Journal. This gives the MJC time to offer the article in the paper and MCMA the opportunity to present it later to those who do not subscribe to the MCJ. Barry Black's "The Perfect Church" appears just below:
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Life Issues: Looking at living from a Biblical world view
The Perfect Church
By Pastor Barry Black May 20, 2026
Several years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, I saw a church on a street corner located on McDaniel Street S.W. It is simply called “Perfect Church.” I looked this week, and it is still standing.
Let’s think about this for a moment. For a church to be called the perfect church, one very key element would actually have to be missing: people. Church members are people, and all people are imperfect; therefore, any church that has people in it (i.e., all churches) is not and cannot be a perfect church.
There are probably as many opinions on what constitutes a perfect church as there are people who ponder the question. Anyone could love a perfect church; however, Christians need to learn to love their own church! I am not sure who came up with this rhyme, but it is quite fitting: “To live above with saints we love, Oh, that will be glory! / To live below with saints we know, well, that’s a different story!”
Here are some questions to ask yourself concerning your church involvement:
If every member placed the same emphasis and excitement on presenting the gospel as I have, what kind of church could we have?
If every member placed the same emphasis and excitement on worship as I have, what kind of church could we have?
If every member placed the same emphasis and excitement on being active in fellowship as I have, what kind of church could we have?
If every member placed the same emphasis and excitement in growing in their faith as I have, what kind of church could we have?
If every member placed the same emphasis and excitement in ministering to others as I have, what kind of church could we have?
There will always be people with whom we disagree, people who are not “like us.” Someone will said, “The church is not a museum for perfect people. There aren’t any.” All of us are broken and need repair. If we truly see ourselves for who we are and what we need, we will see that we are all undeserving sinners in need of a Savior. If we see others that way, it will be a key building block for genuine fellowship. Now, in reality, that will not build a “perfect church” but it is certainly a good beginning. Christians do not always have to like each other, but we are commanded to love one another (John 13:34-35 and Romans 12:10).
Churches are growing in countries where Christians face persecution, but, with some exceptions, churches in America are shrinking. That certainly must displease our Savior (Ephesians 5:25). Churches need strengthening now more than ever. That takes commitment, involvement, and sacrifice. Since Jesus loves His church (Ephesians 5:25), shouldn’t we? Christian, if you are able to attend but currently choose not to be in church, maybe it is time to go back. Perhaps you recently moved to a new location. Find a church that needs you. Maybe you are at a place in your life where you need a new beginning. Find a church.
People are very careful (as they should be) about their money, health, and retirement, but they often neglect their spiritual and eternal well-being. You never know; being involved in a local church could change your life. You may change someone else’s life in the process. Maybe the Lord will use you to raise up a pastor, a youth or music leader for the next generation, or someone who will strengthen a church and, in turn, strengthen the Body of Christ.
I can see the Lord smiling now as He watches the church BE the church! Until next time, may the Lord bless you and make you a blessing to others.
Barry Black is the Pastor of Anchor Bible Church, Hull — in the Diamond Hill Community (anchorbible.org). Email: [email protected].
