“Not Just A Great Place To Worship, It Is Also A Great Place To Belong”

As a Pastor myself, I am always doing my best to encourage my Pre-Christian friends and associates to give our church a visit and come worship with us. I tell folks that we’re open every Sunday and Wednesday for business. That usually receives a chuckle and the point is subtly made. I know as do you that it is our friendship base upon which we will have the greatest impact. Still, we mustn’t forget that we will usually win people to ourselves before we will win them to our Jesus. So friendship evangelism is paramount in the life of the Christian, and where we attend church does offer a validation of our verbally stated life of faith.

I’ve seen so many people throughout my ministry that really aren’t in love with the church. Now don’t get me wrong, I mean that they are not really involved in its life daily, but rather, are just more or less, ‘Dating the Church’ – you know – going to it but not committing to it enough to be truly owning it as a vital part of their life. By belonging I’m not talking about church membership, but rather church involvement that is intentional because we love our church and want to see it grow as we meet the needs of those around us.

I’ve just finished reading Joshua Harris’ little book Stop Dating the Church. It is actually a pretty quick read and I must say it is well worth the short time investment of the two hours or so it takes to complete this little gem. He has some great illustrations to say the least and it really does get your attention – well, for sure, it certainly got mine.

In the book, Joshua Harris defines what we know to be: “THE CHURCH”. He clearly tells us why both God and all those who claim the name “Christian” are supportive of it. He talks about why the church needs Christians to take part in an active, supportive, passionate participation. He gives the reader 10 clear things to look for in a church, and gives practical tips on how to get the most out of every Sunday and every service. Here’s a quick quote:

“You see the strongest argument I know for why you and I should love and care about the Church is that Jesus does. The greatest motivation we could ever find for being passionately committed to the Church is that Jesus is passionately committed to the Church.” (A quote from page # 31)

Recently our church board stepped out on faith and had a professional production company create and produce a one minute commercial about out church. It has been uploaded, and it is now on the town of Avon, Indiana’s web site. We did this so that anyone from anywhere can know that our church is here. They will now also know that Avon Parkside Church is “Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.” Because we’re in the second fastest growing county in the state of Indiana, we want people who will be moving to Avon, to know that we are here and that our ministries are available to them.

You can find a way to let people know that your church is available to them. The New Testament Church model that is presented in Acts 2:42-47 is a tried and true method. It’s God’s plan for every church to operate just that way. Most people are quick to recommend a great restaurant to friends, why not recommend the place where you are spiritually fed? Do you love your church? Do you bring your Pre-Christian friends? Are you excited about what your church is doing in your community? I so, Great! If not, why not do a ‘Church Check-Up’, and renew your commitment to the place where you worship. You’ll be so glad you did!

Why not make a personal commitment on this busy Tuesday to be sure and tell everyone God brings into your life that you’d love to have them worship with you at your church. Tell them that your church is ‘Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.’

Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.

Pastor Darryl