"...the church is not a place for hypocrites...but neither is it a gathering of people who are without faults and failings...".

The church is not perfect by any means. A quick glance through the bible will show any interested person the complete reality of fallen human nature and that reality is still in evidence today, inside and outside, of the church.

That in no way excuses personal sin or even tries to dismiss it, but recognises it as a deeply rooted problem which needs divine supernatural assistance. This has always been the teaching of the bible. The church is not made up of 'super saints' who are gaining credits to get admission into heaven but real people with real problems, one of which is their own fallen nature. God's plan was to deal with that problem through Jesus Christ. It began with his first coming (including his death and resurrection) and will be completed at his second coming (when he will desroy all his enemies)

The believer in Jesus Christ is waiting for that second coming knowing that the enemy of sin will be finally done away with then. No perfection till then only the command of God ... be holy even as I am holy.