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May, 2003 From My Heart... On a recent visit to the doctor, I engaged in some light-hearted conversation with the young man who was administering my therapy (physical, by the way!) for the day. One statement led to another and he asked where I was a pastor. Well, when I told him, he immediately asked for directions and the times of our worship services. Then he said, "I think that's the kind of church I'd like to visit!" In the midst of my excitement that God had opened a door of opportunity for me to share with this young man about our church, it also provided "food for thought" about his statement, "....that's THE KIND of church I'd like to visit." There are a lot of people visiting our church right now. So, what KIND of church are people looking for? I can only give you MY perspective, but here it is. I think people are looking for a FRIENDLY church, one that makes them feel welcomed and not so much like an "outsider", you know, the kind of church that says, "We really are glad you are here." Are we a FRIENDLY church? I think people are looking for an ACCEPTING church, one that is less concerned with what you have, what you drive, where you live, how you dress, and how much you can contribute, and more concerned with who you are, what the spiritual needs are in your life, and how we can meet those needs. Are we an ACCEPTING church? I think people are looking for a BIBLICAL church, one that is founded and stands on the Word of God, where they know the teaching and preaching will be Biblically-based, and they can expect to hear a fresh word from the Lord when they come. Are we a BIBLICAL church? I think people are looking for a NEEDS-MEETING church. Everyone has needs, some greater than others. And, when people come to our church, they come with those needs. Some are young couples with young families, and they have needs. Some have been hurt by bad church experiences in the past, and they have needs. Some have been disillusioned by church altogether, and they have needs. Are we a NEEDS-MEETING church? Well, that young man's comment to me was both eye-opening and thought-provoking. I hope he will visit us real soon. And, when he does, I hope he will find us to be a friendly, accepting, Biblical, needs-meeting church. And, if YOU live in our area, or will be visiting our area, and you are looking for a church like the one I just described, I hope you will visit us, too, and find us to be that kind of church. God bless you. Jim Clayton |