As hubby and I visit a different church each week in our quest for a home church, we are now asking different questions, harder questions.
Questions such as:
if we enjoy the preaching, is that reason enough to choose a church? For there is no guarantee that the regular preaching pastor will stay.
is what we see and experience at a worship service what we should base our decision on?
should we find a church that is a good fit for us, and then commit, or just make a choice, commit and then make it fit?
Recently I took a Sunday off, and didn’t go to church. Stayed in my pjs until noon, got a few things done around the house, and just enjoyed a quiet house to myself. Though this was not my first time playing hooky from church, though I have had beautiful and memorable times of Sabbath at home in the past … this time was different.
This time I kept thinking about much I wanted to be part of a church, to be part of a small group, to walk in the doors and be greeted by familiar faces, to serve where there is a need that we can meet, to sing, to learn, to grow with others. To be fed with fork and knife (not from a bottle).
We are not going to find the ‘perfect’ church, for, if such a place existed, it would be tarnished as soon as we entered it’s doors. We aren’t going to always love the songs that are sung, or how, or by whom. We aren’t always going to relate (or even like … did I just say that?) everyone we meet … pastoral staff included.
But,
if there is warmth in it’s walls,
if there is welcome to the imperfect,
if there is a joy in the worship
generosity in the giving
humility in the praying
Good News in the preaching
and invitation to serve …
then we will need to go, and go every week.
For it is in the going, every week, that the church becomes not just a habit, but a healthy dependency.
Carole I so look forward to your early morning posts – especially Sunday – as it is my favorite day – I was quite a church hopper until I found a wonderful home church this past spring – such joy in the worship there – I have also often found the much needed rest He wants for me in pajama days nestled under a cozy blanket by the fire sipping my first cup of coffee for the day – love and blessings to you on this blustery day – off to church I go xo
Carole, I know that just because I love our church and the community we feel there, doesn’t mean everyone will, but just so you know, we at Immanuel would welcome you and Phil with open arms! We are currently going through a rotation of guest pastors from other CRC churches as our pastor just moved to Fredricton (personally I don’t mind this for awhile as I enjoy listening to different people) so the stability of a “home” pastor isn’t there, but worship still is 😊
Blessings to you as you continue your quest! ~ Linda
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Linda,
Thanks so much for the invite. I do so appreciate it. And I love that you so adore the church you are part of. Though we are looking a little closer to home, it would be great to sit beside you on a Sunday morning in your church. Be warned … you never know when we might just pop in! 🙂
Carole
I walked into a church when I was 19 years old. I felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit as I walked in. Sadly I moved away and I’ve never been back. I will wonder if it would feel the same if I walked in again.
I love how you described that experience as a 19 year old … what an experience of the warmth of the Spirit! Do try again! Even if not in that particular church …
There’s a beautiful old hymn called Softly and Tenderly. Check out the lyrics on YouTube (Carrie Underwood performs it beautifully). The opening lines are : softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling to you …
Thiis was lovely to read