The "if only" disease

Is there any good church out there?

I sometimes wonder if I'm just afflicted with the great affliction of Protestantism: that the perfect church is just around the corner... if only I and people like me were in charge.

This affliction--this disease of believing in the perfect-yet-to-be church--fuels an entire industry of church consultants, church publications and websites, and "theories" of church growth and development.

Recently, I've been struck with the symptoms of the disease. Critiquing and nitpicking about my own congregation, thinking "if only we... then things would be better."

As I was watching the Church Basement Roadshow, Tony Jones' portion had an interview with a guy he calls "Trucker Frank." Frank has been an itinerant churchgoer and sometimes pastor, moving from congregation to congregation. In one account, he tells of preaching in front of a congregation, holding up a fake plant, and telling his congregation, "you're as fake as this plant." It's funny. And he may be right, in part.

But Trucker Frank's afflicted, too. He thinks there's something better, some better church that lies out there "if only...."

So what are my "if only's"?

If only the church used every cent of its money faithfully and transparently.
If only it had a horizontal leadership system, honoring and using the gifts of all members.
If only the Holy Spirit were present in organic, joyful, thoughtful worship.
If only the church took risks on behalf of the lost and the least.
If only the church studied, prayed, and ate together.

If only I could let go of my need for an "if only" church.