pastors

Our Church

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

When we moved to this state two years ago, it was important to us to find a church. We are Christians, and we attend church every week. We believe church is a vital part of a faithful Christian life. We didn’t know how long it would take for us to find the right church. We hadn’t made a list of specific things we were looking for, but we knew there were some necessary requirements.

We actually started our online search for a church before we moved and immediately found one we wanted to visit. A church close to home that was active and thriving. As Christians, it was important to us to find a biblically sound church. One that preached the Bible and historic Christianity, not progressivism or deceptive spiritual practices. We wanted the Bible. And boy. Did we ever find the church.

We moved here before my husband retired, so I was living here alone while he remained in our previous city. He would come home every few weeks and attend church with me. I have to admit. The first few weeks were rocky. People weren’t friendly. Only two people introduced themselves. I wasn’t quite sure what to think. But I kept going back every week. I knew the church had a lot going for it, so I wanted to give it a chance. And now I can say that I’m glad I stuck it out.

Our pastor invited me to a group of likeminded people. And one of those people invited me to join a small group. The people in that group welcomed us with open arms and have become friends. We’ve also gotten involved in other areas. Awana for me. Worship team for him. We attend the monthly senior’s dinner. We also enjoy the fellowship we find at the church’s monthly first Sunday potluck. And we attend other events as they pop up. Worship nights. Hymn sings.

There are many things I really appreciate about our church. Things I didn’t realize I wanted or needed in a home church. But here they are in no order of priority or importance. Some are just nice-to-haves. We worship in a true sanctuary, not a gymnasium. We sit in pews, not chairs. We have communion every Sunday. Our worship music is a more mellow contemporary style with occasional hymns thrown in. We have an actual grand piano along with the keyboard. The music is worshipful, and not performance driven. And it isn’t too loud. The elementary children are in the service until the sermon. They’re learning to worship with the adults. We have a children’s choir. The building actually looks like a church and not a square box. The church is debt free and supports a long list of missionaries. The elders take an active role in the weekly church service by leading communion and prayer time. The preaching is strictly expository biblical sermons. Our church stands unapologetically on the Word of God. They are making disciples.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

This summer, we made the decision to become members of the church. So, we’re all in. We’ve found our church home, and we couldn’t be happier. I can’t imagine attending any other church.

But don’t get me wrong. Our church isn’t perfect. After all, it is full of people. And people are imperfect and broken. I’m sure there are many hurting people who walk through the doors each week, and no one would ever know they are struggling. Unless they tell someone. I believe our pastors and elders have the best of intentions when helping others. They lead the church from a biblical lens.

I’ve witnessed the way others at our church care for each other and for those who are needy. Meal trains. Prayer meetings multiple mornings each week. Men building beds for kids who don’t have one. Women’s Bible studies. Men’s ministry group. Worship nights. Fun family and group outings. Coffee hour. Colson Fellows. Missions trips. Community projects. Children’s ministry. Youth ministry.

Our church offers multiple outlets for service and fellowship that welcome any and all to participate. There’s a place for everyone to get involved, but not everyone does. It’s voluntary, so someone can be as involved as they feel comfortable. The purpose of our church is to help others seek a close relationship with God, serve and fellowship with his people.

Fellowship is an important aspect of the Christian life. It provides moral support and and spiritual communion with likeminded people. We don’t have to do life alone. We can find others with similar beliefs who will walk alongside us in all phases of life. It’s a vital part of being involved in a church. I have to say that I’m very thankful that we have found such a wonderful community of Christians. It’s been the icing on the cake for our retirement move.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

The Called

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

They have been asked to give their lives to serve God. They have answered the call. They will lead others to follow Christ. They will preach sermons. They will lead board meetings. They will pray with those in need. They will counsel people at their lowest moments. They will serve others in ways no one knows.

They work many hours that no one sees. They are on call at all hours of the day and night. They conduct funerals and officiate at weddings. They are a part of the saddest and happiest moments of others’ lives.

Their life and that of their family is on full display to be approved or criticized, as others see fit. They’re expected to have perfect marriages and well-behaved children. It’s assumed that they handle their personal lives and finances without flaw.

They are unlicensed counselors who hear the most private life situations for a family or marriage in crisis. Everything they hear in counseling sessions must be kept private. They are expected to keep all conversations confidential.

They are human. They make mistakes. They do not live perfect lives. And when their lives are falling apart. When their marriage is hanging by a thread. When their child is the one who’s gone astray. Who do they call? Who do they trust to keep their messy lives out of the news? Who do they call in the middle of the night when hope seems lost?

When they have a moment of panic.  When they have an unconfessed sin.  When they have a hidden addiction.  When they have a raw diagnosis.  When they need wise counsel. Who do they have on speed dial?  Who can they trust with their darkest moments?  

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17

We expect them to know the Bible inside and out. Can they quote just the right Scripture when we need it? Can they give the most godly advice at the right time? If their sermon doesn’t hold your attention or if it rubs you the wrong way, do you stop attending church? Do you demand they run the church your way or else?

We must hope and pray that they are following God’s leading. We must trust that their relationship with God is their top priority. Above all else, they must lead the church as God leads them. Sure. They’re human. They mess up. Unless there’s evidence of wrongdoing on their part, we must trust that they are allowing God to guide them.

The thing is. We’re all called. We’re all human. But we hold them to a higher standard. They’re human, too. They make mistakes. They mess up. They’re working on their salvation one day at a time. Just like everyone else. 

Some are called to be shepherds. Some are administrators. Some are strategic thinkers and planners. Some are prayer warriors. Others are eloquent speakers. Still others offer solid teaching. And some offer wise counsel. But all are called. All are gifted. All are flawed.

What if we spent time praying for them each day. What if we spent time getting to know them. Getting to know their heart as they follow God. Getting to know their strengths and weaknesses. What if we truly trusted them to lead the church as God is leading them. What if we trusted them?

Let’s show them grace.  and trust.  and offer forgiveness.  Let’s hold them accountable.  But let’s let them lead. God will hold them accountable for their lives and their leadership. Let’s trust God.