The problem with the Protestant Church is there is a huge disconnect between the heart and the head and the body has split into two opposing forces instead of one cohesive vision. This may step on some toes and be hard to swallow but seriously consider where you stand. As someone who has been in both extremes, I have some observations and I’d like to share a few.

You have Heady Reformed Groups where head knowledge and theology are the most important things and because they make this strong point their focus, they tend to lack heart and can be the most heartless, cold and offensive people on the planet.

On the other end you have Big Hearted Charismatics who live completely out of Love forsaking sound doctrine a lot of the time and because they make their strongpoint love their focus, they tend to fall into some intense theological ditches.

Both groups have set up strongholds and turned their swords on each other and it’s a true tragedy. Believe me, as someone who has camped out on both extremes, I get the tension. We all have our personality types and comfort zones and ways that we are wired as individuals. Some guys are Head guys and gifted in theology and doctrine and wisdom. Some guys are heart guys and these guys are the heart of the church. They love to love and gifted in mercy ministry, worship leading, poetry, things of beauty, etc. Both sides so wonderfully crafted and constructed and formulated but in part and never meant to function on their own in isolation. Their hands are guided by their camps particular dominant personality type in imbalance and the fruit is always off point. There has to be a balance. Alone they wage war and sow seeds of discord but when the heart and head are in harmony, in balance, the unified hands build the kingdom of God. The heart sings to the head and in the overflow the head whispers to the hands and this is when we become the hands and feet of Christ. Both sides of equal value and contributing their essential functions to the whole.

I used to laugh because I would go to my reformed brothers for theological advice and wisdom and then visit my charismatic brothers for things of the heart. I think a lot of people are like this if they are willing to be honest. It’s why they listen to RC Sproul sermons but then turn on their favorite Hillsong or Bethel albums for worship. There’s something to this. An unacknowledged need of one another and it’s time to lay it on the table.

As a heart guy, I know my strengths and I also know my great need of my head driven brothers and the same is true in reverse. You hear people all the time talking about iron sharpening iron, this is it.

This is one of the reasons I absolutely adore my church. We have all those personalities represented working in harmony with one another and sharpening one another and bringing balance and we all can testify to the tremendous fruit and blessing of God that comes when this sacred harmony is found and sung. Our differences are not points of division. They are individual facets on the same precious gem and each one catches the light of Christ in their particular way and we shine all the brighter because of it! To be united as one body. Eternally together. Amen. That will forever be my prayer.