Church...Not Just One Hour Per Week
Several years ago, I was challenged as I read Philip Yancey's own personal pilgrimage in Christianity. Specifically, he related how his view of the church evolved from a negative perspective to a more positive outlook.
"What changed my attitude toward church? A Skeptic might say that I lowered my expectations somewhere along the way, or perhaps I 'got used to' church just as, after numerous false starts, I got used to opera. Yet I sense something else at work: church has filled in me a need that could not be met in any other way. Saint John of the Cross wrote, 'The virtuous soul that is alone . . . is like the burning coal that is alone. It will grow colder rather than hotter.' I believe he is right.
Christianity is not a purely intellectual, internal faith. It can only be lived in community. Perhaps for this reason, I have never entirely given up on church. At a deep level, I sense the church contains something I desperately need. Whenever I abandon church for a time, I find that I am the one who suffers. My faith fades, and the crusty shell of lovelessness grows over me again. I grow colder rather than hotter. And so my journeys away from church have always circled back inside" (Church: Why Bother? 23)
Sound familiar? Many of us know the consequences of removing ourselves from the fellowship of fellow believers. So often, we grow dull and indifferent in our lives, and our overall relationships suffer. There are certainly seasons of life where we may not be able physically to worship with the entire church body, yet it is vitally important that we remain connected with the community of faith. We all need to realize that church is more than a one-hour a week entertainment program. It is a constant community within which we exist. We seek to glorify God, share His gospel, and fellowship as an authentic family every day. And when we do have the opportunity to gather with our church family, we attempt to seize the moment. As I have consistently said, there is nothing that compares to God's family coming together in one place with the specific purpose of relating to Him and to each other. My prayer is that we will always recognize the great blessing He has given us to be a part of the First Baptist family.
First@thePark (October 11)
A couple of special days are coming up for us as a church. First, we will gather for a church fellowship on October 11 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Zachary Youth Park. There will be activities for all ages as well as food. We will also highlight a couple of softball games that should prove interesting to say the least. I specifically look forward to coaching the deacons against Shad and the youth. I promise it will be a great time together.
Battin' a 1000 (October 12)
Okay, here we go. On Sunday, October 12, we have our high attendance emphasis for Sunday School, and our goal is 1000. And before you have a coronary, let me assure you that this is reachable. A couple of Sundays ago, we had 723 here. If only 2 out of 5 people bring a guest that one Sunday, we will surpass our goal. Begin to pray now and invite people now. Let's use this as a time to reach out to prospects as well as members who have just simply stopped coming. This may be your opportunity to invite a family member, neighbor, coworker, etc. Who knows, that one Sunday may spark something in their lives and lead them to active service in His ministry. Pray hard, and work hard!
