A Message from My Heart
By Pastor Steven T. Morrow
God has called me to be a servant to His people. As a servant, one of my greatest responsibilities is teaching His will, His ways, and His Word. My role as a pastor is not just to deliver sermons but to guide others in living within the framework of the Gospel—a life rooted in truth, love, and transformation.
The Bible, in Galatians 6:2, calls us to bear one another’s burdens. This is a beautiful expression of the compassion and support we are meant to offer one another. However, this does not mean endlessly enabling someone who consistently avoids responsibility or refuses to grow. True burden-bearing is about providing compassionate, temporary support in times of genuine need, while also encouraging personal responsibility and setting healthy boundaries.
Let me be clear: Galatians 6:2 does not mean the church exists to act as a personal concierge. Nor does it call us to continue serving those who, after being taught the Scriptures, choose not to apply them. The church’s mission is to provide spiritual guidance, accountability, and support to those genuinely seeking growth and transformation—not to perpetuate dysfunction or dependency.
The Church’s Role vs. Expectations
It’s remarkable how often the church is expected to solve personal and community problems, yet some of those same people show little or no commitment to the church’s growth or upbuilding. When I speak of growth, I’m not just referring to money. True growth involves participation, service, and a shared effort to uplift and transform the community. Unfortunately, it’s often those who contribute the least—whether financially, spiritually, or through service—who demand the most.
Some might argue that the church should always give, no matter what. While the church is called to help, it also has a responsibility to steward its resources wisely. The church’s purpose is not just to provide temporary relief but to guide individuals toward lasting spiritual and personal growth. This requires a mutual commitment from both the church and the people it serves.
Criticism of the Church
A recurring criticism is that the church “just wants people’s money” and that pastors are “pimps” or “con artists.” I understand that some churches and leaders have fallen short, but these isolated instances should not overshadow the tireless efforts of so many churches striving to serve their communities with integrity.
What troubles me is the lack of similar accountability for businesses in our communities, such as liquor stores and convenience stores, that profit from dysfunction. These establishments feed into habits like alcoholism and unhealthy lifestyles, hindering personal and community growth. They capitalize on struggles without offering anything back, yet the church—which seeks to restore and uplift—is often the first to be criticized.
Some might say, “You can’t compare businesses to the church because businesses don’t claim to help people.” But that’s precisely the issue. The church is held to a higher standard, and rightly so, but shouldn’t we also hold accountable those who profit from the community’s pain? If we expect the church to uplift the community, shouldn’t we expect the same—or more—from businesses that exploit its dysfunction?
Spiritual and Financial Contributions
I know some people feel disconnected from the church, believing it isn’t meeting their needs. To this, I say: the church’s primary role is spiritual guidance. While material aid is important, the church cannot carry every burden alone. Contributions to the church are not just about money—they include time, service, and a willingness to work together. Even those who are struggling financially can contribute by actively participating in the church’s mission and supporting its growth in other ways.
A Call for Reflection
I share these thoughts not to alienate or judge but to encourage honest reflection and dialogue. The church is not perfect, but it exists to serve, uplift, and transform lives. A healthy relationship between the church and its community requires mutual respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.
If you feel the church can do better, I invite you to share your thoughts and get involved. Let’s work together to build something stronger, not just for ourselves but for the entire community.
The church’s mission is sacred: to uplift, restore, and transform. But transformation isn’t one-sided—it requires all of us to do our part. Let’s commit to being part of the solution and creating a community that reflects the love and grace of God.
Pastor Steven T. Morrow
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Kalamazoo
