The 'Back to Egypt' Committee

Every Congregation I served had one, most do!  They are not elected, they are self-appointed.  Their meetings are not on the Church calendar.  Most of their business is conducted in the church parking lot or by email.  They keep no records nor are votes taken.  But the events which they talk about are stored in their minds and often sometimes in their hearts.  They basically have no new ideas, but vividly remember the “good old days.”  They have no officially elected Officers but each member is convinced they have “the inside track.”

You can find the first mentioned in the Book of Numbers.  Affectionately they are known as the “Back to Egypt Committee.” Their recurrent motto goes back to the good old days when “we were better off in Egypt.  There we remember having fish to eat, and cucumbers, melons and leeks, all at no cost.”  And hidden in their complaint was the thought that somehow and in some 18-20 way we were better off back then in what became their mantra, “the good old days.”

“Back to Egypt” committees drive Pastors and Church leaders crazy and often not only destroys ministry but hinders and even prevents ministry.  They can be the Pastor’s “worst nightmare,” and often results in frustration and distraction to what is the central mission of the church.  

Are we not called “to walk by faith?”  Back to Egypt Committees see the problems of the world and wish for the good old days.  In some ways they were “good old days,” e.g. Gas, 29 cent gallon, a new home averaged around $2,400, eggs as low as 39 cents a dozen.  But wouldn’t it be better instead of wishing for the good old days to return, to instead actually see our world’s problems and bend our knees in full confidence that God has not forsaken us as we boldly pray and watch to see what He will do through us.  Let’s not forget that He, and He alone is “our still point” in an ever changing and tumultuous world.  He is still the same, “yesterday, today and forever,” with the same authority and the same promise, “I will be with you always,”  (Matthew 28:18,20)

The greatest encouragement that you can give to your church leaders is to let them know that you stand with them, and together you stand with Christ who gives us the promise of the Holy Spirit who will never leave us or forsake us.  I would love our attitude to say, “Bring it on world, throw at us the best you’ve got, but know that you have met your match clearly in the Words and promises of God.  Let’s sing “A Mighty Fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon…one little word can fell” and really mean it, knowing that all and everything that stands in opposition against us must bow in submission to the One who is “The Lord of Lords and King of Kings.”

Let’s dismiss “the back to Egypt Committees” that stir among us, and support our Pastors and Church workers with your prayers and encouragement, knowing that “in Christ we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.”  (Philippians 4:13)

For Well Coalition
Pastor Izzard