I have been looking for a new church to attend. Not that I have been attending any one in particular here in Greensboro. I must confess I have been rather relaxed in my attendance. In my youth I attended on a regular basis, almost as a matter of routine. I do think that is as it should be. There is comfort in routine, something that needs no planning. A time devoted to one thing. And devotion is one thing that should be related to church. Seems like the least we should do. Also attending on a regular basis can lead to community. And does not the Bible say, wherever two or more should gather in my name, I am there. Yes I do believe he is everywhere and with everyone all the time, but God does not want us to be lonely.
I am looking for a church. I am not looking for a building however. The building itself is unimportant. It is what is housed inside that matters. The congregants, or parishioners if you prefer, are the body of the church. The makeup if you will. How you interact with them is an important consideration. This interaction does take time. Any relationship takes time to develop. The head of the church is the Pastor or Priest. It is he or she that leads the flock. The direction of this leadership is of great importance. It is this person that must instill the desire to return. It is their calling that we must first respond to. They are the host.
I go to the church to worship. I go to reaffirm my relationship with my God. That is what it should be, but I am human after all. I get distracted easily. The relationship with my fellow worshipers and the direction of the leader can lead me away. Attending a new church is like forming a new friendship. There is a period of politeness, followed by a period of getting to know one another. It can be an uncomfortable time and one of anticipation.
In the end the burden is upon the host. Can the host introduce me to the person I came to see ? Isn't that the purpose of the visit ? The church I intend to visit has a new host. I am hopeful that he knows my friend. I am hopeful for a relationship. We shall see.
I am looking for a church. I am not looking for a building however. The building itself is unimportant. It is what is housed inside that matters. The congregants, or parishioners if you prefer, are the body of the church. The makeup if you will. How you interact with them is an important consideration. This interaction does take time. Any relationship takes time to develop. The head of the church is the Pastor or Priest. It is he or she that leads the flock. The direction of this leadership is of great importance. It is this person that must instill the desire to return. It is their calling that we must first respond to. They are the host.
I go to the church to worship. I go to reaffirm my relationship with my God. That is what it should be, but I am human after all. I get distracted easily. The relationship with my fellow worshipers and the direction of the leader can lead me away. Attending a new church is like forming a new friendship. There is a period of politeness, followed by a period of getting to know one another. It can be an uncomfortable time and one of anticipation.
In the end the burden is upon the host. Can the host introduce me to the person I came to see ? Isn't that the purpose of the visit ? The church I intend to visit has a new host. I am hopeful that he knows my friend. I am hopeful for a relationship. We shall see.
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