Why Did You Choose Your Church?
Remember this -- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
-- 2 Corinthians 9:6
Why did you choose the church you attend? Pastor Meghan asked this question recently. All of us in the congregation looked around at each other. The truth is our stories are probably as varied as the clothes we had on.
Some people never make a conscious choice about which church they attend. They simply worship where their parents worship and, in some cases, where their grandparents worshipped. For others it’s about convenience. They attend the closest church with beliefs similar to their own.
Beyond that things can really get interesting. Did friends or family invite you to the church you now attend? Did you come for the Upward sports programs or Vacation Bible School? Maybe it was a Bible study or special program that brought you in. Or the music. I love the contemporary worship service I attend.
But what about the people? A friend recently said that she was drawn to her church because the people were so warm and welcoming. She could see almost immediately how much they cared for each other. And how much they didn’t care about where someone is from or what color their skin might be.
This past Saturday our church had its annual Pancake Breakfast. It’s a fundraiser for the men’s group and coincides each year with the town’s Fall Festival. The homeless ate with the affluent. The children ate with the seniors. There was much laughter and good food. It seemed like a gathering where Jesus would be right at home. And that’s as it should be.
The church -- which is God’s people and NOT a building -- is meant to be filled with lives lived out in the world, interacting with all people and doing good where we can. It’s not about who’s wearing what or making an appearance so everyone will think our lives are going just right. It’s about nurturing and caring, loving and learning. Sharing our hearts filled with Jesus with all that we encounter.
How can you tell a good church? When it responds in times of grief or great tragedy. When it responds to needs beyond its borders -- its membership, if you will -- and reaches out to the community and beyond. A good church welcomes everyone, just as Jesus welcomes those who call His name.
So why did you choose your church? Think about it.
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