I gave a "Minute For Worship" this morning. I introduced "Friends Sunday" that we will celebrate in mid September at my church. The idea is that you prayerfully consider whom within your circle of influence you'd like to share faith with, and invite them to church.
I live around 60 miles from Lynchburg, Virginia. Thomas Road Baptist Church (Jerry Falwell) studied the small city where I live and determined that 70% of the residents are unchurched. Their solution was to start a new church (there are already about 140+ churches in this town already).
I'm not certain that what we need is another church. Don't get me wrong. I believe that participation in a communion with fellow followers of Jesus Christ is essential for Christians. The Bible is clear that community is God's will.
It's interesting how loaded a word like "church" is for so many people. It's one thing to be wounded by someone, but when those wounds occur in the context of the church, the hurt seems to be magnified. I mentioned the 140+ churches in the town where I live... Why do you think there are so many of them? Are they filled up and we have to plant new ones just to have room in the pews for all of the worshippers? No... members get mad at each other and instead of working out their differences, they take their marbles and play somewhere else. I love First Presbyterian Church (where I worship), but I am painfully aware of many former members who left because of some hurt they suffered at the hands of someone at church.
I think that most folks who are hostile toward "Christianity" are actually hostile toward Christians. What's not to love about Jesus? You'd have to be crazy to not want to be Jesus' friend. The problem with Jesus in the eyes of many are his friends: us. It's not Jesus that they don't want to hang out with, it's us. The irony is that in 2 Corinthians Paul says that we are ambassadors for Christ. What kind of ambassador are you? What can people tell about the Kingdom you represent from your life and relationships? What difference does Jesus make in your life?
May God grant us the grace to grow in grace and love so that we represent Him well.
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1 comment:
So glad somebody said this. I was watching when Falwell made the statement and announced the new church. You are correct: Danville doesn't need another church; the Church in Danville needs to hear its Lord. This means a lot to me also after just last night someone wanting me to join a new group, which doesn't excite me. Thank you.
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