Where I’m from, we’re known as a friendly bunch. We wave at folks we don’t know, we smile for no apparent reason, and we might call you “neighbor” even if we’ve just met you. That’s life in the Ozarks.
Living in the buckle of the “Bible Belt” affords many intimate and unique worship opportunities. Since denominations are manmade and not God-created, I’ve always been less concerned about church doctrine and more concerned with the uncompromised truth of God’s Word.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in the world to me.
I’m not a “Bible-thumper” or a “do-what-I-say” but “don’t-do-as-I-do” kind of person. I fail. I have shortcomings. I would hope that I never do anything that causes my sister or brother to stumble, but because of my human frailties, that’s likely wishful thinking.
So here’s what I attempt to be successful at: I pray that I always demonstrate to others the same love Christ has shown me. Part of my daily mission in achieving that is to extend a smile or a heartfelt sentiment to folks I meet throughout my day. I find it makes a world of difference in others’ countenance, as well as my own.
As a new college graduate, our son is eager to find his own way, to discover new paths. Part of that discovery entails visiting new churches to see where he might best fit in, serve, and fellowship.
He was excited recently as he told us of plans to visit a church nearby.
On Sunday, our son was up early. He showered and dressed with care, had some fruit and peanut butter, and was out the door with plenty of time to spare.
Instead of sleeping in on his one day off, he anticipated some “God time” with fellow believers.
“How was worship?” his dad and I asked when he strode through the back door a few hours later.
No immediate response.
Not a good sign.
“Well,” our son finally said, “Do you know not one person shook my hand or introduced himself?”
I was stunned.
“You’re kidding.”
Of course, he wasn’t. Young adults don’t kid about things like that. They’re usually only too happy to tell you just how the pig ate the cabbage.
“No one introduced himself?” I prompted. “Not even one person?”
He shook his head in the negative. “At the end of the service maybe a person or two nodded my direction and mumbled ‘hi’ in kind of a perfunctory fashion. And someone said, ‘You’ve caught us during our summer downturn. We usually have a bigger attendance than this.'”
Not a “We’re so glad you joined us,” “We hope you return,” or even a “I’m so-in-so. Say, what’s your name?”
I just couldn’t fathom it. (Our family’s home church is the exact opposite.)
“Well, don’t let it discourage you, honey. We all have our ‘off days.’ Try somewhere else next Sunday.”
“I will. And I’m not discouraged. It’s just that I’m a believer, and while I’m disappointed, I do understand those off-times or off-seasons. But what if I’d been a non-believer? What if I’d let that one experience color my whole perception of who Christ was or what church was supposed to be because I had no other gauge to go by?”
Indeed.
This is a perfect example of The Gospel According to Lukewarm, an excellent blog post by author Michael K. Reynolds.
I was proud of our son’s determination not to judge the “hands and feet” of Jesus (aka ‘the church’) by those who’d grown weary and complacent.
The experience taught this mom (and this daughter of the King) something.
It reaffirmed that while a smile or kind word certainly goes a long way, it’s the genuineness behind those that can rarely be faked.
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Have you had a moment of self-discovery?
What do you feel is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in churches today?
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NOTE:
Congratulations to my recent blog winner, Jess P. Jess was the winner of a $15 Barnes & Noble gift card during my July giveaway. My next blog drawing will be at the end of August, and again, it will be for an awesome prize (which I’ll tell you about on Wednesday.) See this link for a complete list of RULES.
Photo Credit: Bill Longshaw/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 9
Loved this post and of course so many terms you use that’s so you! Like pig eating cabbage.
Praying your son finds his perfect fit! 🙂
Author
Jess, glad you liked the post! (Yes, I’m sooo me.)
Cynthia– what a great post! I do believe so many churches have become complacent today. You know what I think the biggest stumbling block is?? Focusing on numbers instead of discipleship. So often it’s about “how many got saved? How many are we baptizing? How many visitors did we have? How many church prospects did we get from this or that event? How many, how many, how many?”
Yes, the focus should be on how many we’re leading to Christ, but beyond that, how many we’re teaching to walk in the ways of the Lord. Sometimes I feel like discipleship has been completely abandoned in favor of getting bodies in the door. But those bodies won’t stay if the discipleship isn’t there.
Hope your son finds a church home he loves!
Author
Jenny, you have remarkable insight. Loved your comment!
Ironically, because so many churches are focused on the numbers game, the importance of discipleship often gets lost in the shuffle. Pointing the lost toward Christ should be first and foremost as you said, but once new believers have made that decision, how are they to grow in the Word unless shepherded by wise counsel in the church? And yes, you are right–“bodies won’t stay if the discipleship isn’t there.”
Excellent thoughts!
It’s hard to find a good church fit. I think especially for the younger people. I know that Eric and I spent several years searching for a home church before we found ours. We gave each one a fair shot, going for several months…not just once or twice. When we finally settled, it was such a relief. I felt like I was home.
Author
Loree, our experience was similar to yours.
Finding the right “fit” can indeed be a daunting process especially for young adults. It’s one more thing to add to their already full plates.
We attended our small group tonight. Some changes have been made at our church for the summer when attendance is low–we now have one combined service Sunday morning instead of two. Almost everyone complained the service was too long, too much singing beforehand. I couldn’t believe it…I love that part of the service. And the message is so alive for me, the time goes by so fast. It’s hard to understand. Can we not tarry…?
Author
I think “worship” certainly means different things to different people, Patti. I do believe “worship” and “fellowship” should go hand in hand, and part of that should at least include making visitors feel welcome.
(Oh, and I’m with you… I have no problem with longer services when God is moving.)
We always have a few minutes to greet and chat–hopefully with someone we don’t know. 🙂