From the Desk of Pastor Paul
In my reading I came across a quotation by John Phillips author of a number of Bible commentaries. “Some time ago, I asked a friend of mine, who pastors a thriving ‘mega church,’ how he accounted for the astonishing and continuing growth of that church. He said, ‘Our people love the Lord Jesus. Our people love each other. Our people love lost people.” The pastor didn’t say, “We have a great counseling program”, nor did he say, ”We have outstanding musicians who provide the latest in contemporary music performed with the most professional showmanship”, nor did he say, “We thoroughly train our evangelistic teams”, etc. He said, “love the Lord Jesus; love each other; and love lost people.” I thought about that. Our people love the Lord Jesus. I really believe that. Oh, there may be a few that are still learning about how to do that, but I believe that most everyone is serious about loving Jesus. And I believe that most of us love each other and, in fact, are learning how to do that better as each week goes by. We are recognizing that not reacting and a little forgiveness goes a long way in preserving peace. We can continue to love despite… imperfections and circumstances. Yes, I believe love abounds in our church. Without major agonizing fund-raising campaigns, we have new flooring and improved lighting in our fellowship hall, a newly painted office and narthex, new painting of our building outside, a new roof and gutters, redecorated women’s restrooms, new paint on the floor and walls of the youth room, and new furnishings there. I’m sure I’ve missed some other important things as well. This was all accomplished by funds made available through the giving of people who love Jesus and each other, and some sharing of resources from the Fruitland Christian Preschool. We are all indebted to the careful direction of our Board of Trustees over the five years I have been here as your pastor. I see it as one example of the love we have for our Lord Jesus, and our love for each other. It may be one example of creating an environment that is inviting to the lost. How far does our love for the lost and the lonely go? Every church that I have been in has said, “We are a friendly church.” In truth, not every one of them were friendly to the stranger or visitor. They were friendly with their friends in the church. Sunday after Sunday I would watch them visiting with their friends before or after worship, but ignoring new people. I don’t think it was intentional. The love for each other was so strong that they really wanted to be with their friends. The stronger that love grows, the longer people remain after church is over. There is a spiritual “magnet” that causes people to want to remain longer in the presence of that love (of Jesus and each other). In one of the churches I served, I was embarrassed at seeing a “new attender” standing all by herself over near a wall two Sundays in a row, while regular attenders were standing in circles of friends, as if the “new attender” were invisible. Barbara tells me that I have a “principal’s voice and stare”. I try not to show it that often. I would rather find a different, more positive, way to address situations. So, I instituted a “three minute warning “ at the end of our worship. During that time I encouraged everyone to find someone they didn’t know well, or at all, and greet them, learn something about them in three minutes before joining their usual friends. Maybe even introduce the “new face” to your usual friends. Three minutes isn’t asking a lot, but it goes a long way in a church becoming a really friendly church. How far does this church go in loving the lost and the lonely? I think the love is there, but maybe it needs some prompting. This might be an easy way to begin that process. What are some of your ideas? Please respond. Drop off you ideas in the church office, or call them in, or drop them in the golden bowl at the visitor’s center. Thanks! ~Pastor Paul
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