For about the last six to eight months, we have been visitors at various churches. My kids had grown grumbly about going to church for a number of reasons. Although I wasn’t discontent at the church I was at, I did have some hurts that I couldn’t resolve. I thought maybe a change would be nice. In my twenty four years as Christian, I have attended three churches and one I had to leave because I was moving to another state. I don’t think I am church hopper. We did finally decide just to go back to our old church. In my months in limbo, I made some discoveries.
First, church potluck isn’t just a reference for food. It can refer to attending various functions at different churches depending on where your needs are met. My daughter got invited to a youth group at a different church and it was a total answer to prayer. I have found my spiritual nourishment at a non denominational Bible study. My son has visited various youth groups and is still looking. I think it is healthy to lower our expectations about what Sunday morning can do for us and to seek out small group situations.
Second, churches are filled with some cold, closed down people. In a congregation of less than 75 people, it’s pretty easy to recognize new people. Yet, week after week people smiled at us, but really never bothered to strike up a conversation. One church we went to had a guy assigned to spot the new people and hand them a packet of information about the church. I so appreciated that an effort was being made. I can not control the tone that is set in various churches, but I can be more aware of new people around me at church and try to make a connection. When someone new steps across the threshold of a church, the hard work has been done. They have done an incredibly courageous thing. From now on I will just assume that the new person came because they have a need and are hopeful that the church will respond to that need.
Last night we went to our old church’s harvest party. It was good to be home. I know that no church will ever be perfect. Also, I need to be less of a spectator and more of an actor in my own faith. There were lessons learned in limbo, so it wasn’t a bad experience.
Sharon Sharon
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