Dear Reader,
The Lancaster County landscape is speckled with many churches of all different shapes and sizes. Newcomers to the area can be overwhelmed with the choices: Brethren in Christ, Presbyterian, Baptist, contemporary, traditional, mega churches and house groups. My husband and I have experienced this feeling since we moved to the area last year. Both of us have grown up in a church family that has loved and nurtured us. But in a new area, a lack of family and friend connections can make finding a new church home challenging.
The true test of our faith has been during those Sunday trips from one church to another, thinking to ourselves, "Lord will we ever have true fellowship again?" We continually analyze ourselves and our actions: Were we outgoing enough? Are we too critical, or are our "checks in our spirit" correct? After each new service, the question inevitably looms before us - can we call this church our home church? I admit this process can be discouraging.
I feel Christian fellowship is a blessing, but it is not a condition of attending church. The devil tempts us into thinking that enjoying the company of other is our only reason to attend church services. First and foremost, we go to church to join in with other believers in awestruck and humble worship of the glory of the Lord. We worship through sound instruction, song and prayerful intercession. I believe that though our obedience in worship, God blesses us with joy of Christian fellowship and friendship.
It is my prayer that the churches, that Lancaster is famous for, are intentional in reaching out to the people who may be seeking a church home. I pray that each church seeks first to glorify the Lord in all they do. May the worship of our Sovereign Lord, Prince of Peace, Creator, and Best Friend take priority in our lives!
~Sara
No comments:
Post a Comment