This morning at our services, our Executive Pastor, Jonathan, spoke about safe places and being able to find things there. At the last part of his sermon, Pastor Jonathan spoke about our church mission statement - the focus of what a group wants to do - or at least the first part. (Do I sense the sermon series outline here?)
The first thing our leaders want to see our church to be is a safe place to find faith. Pastor Jonathan broke that into three ways our church body strives for that. And yes, that is going to be the outline for my post tonight.
The first and hopefully most visible thing about our church is that we intend to be friendly and welcoming. We are encouraged to say hello and introduce ourselves to "new" faces we see. I use the quotations because a person can't be sure the other person truly is there for the first time or if the other has been coming for awhile and the two just haven't crossed paths yet. I am a person who goes into unfamiliar situations with hesitation and can feel on the outside looking in. When I'm put into those 'new kid in class' situations - you know, stand in front of the big group and introduce yourself - I shut into myself. When I am welcomed on a smaller, one-on-one situation, I feel noticed and included. I so greatly appreciate it happening for me, I go out and do it for someone else. I'm glad many others do it, too. This is how friendship begins.
The second part he mentioned is that we will ask questions of each other sincerely. I'm guessing many people have had that "How you doing" question that sounded more like a statement and reinforced by the asker barely breaking stride passing you. When I ask you, I would like to know. You are a valuable person and should be treated that way, not blown off. Also, when statements and grand declarations are made, they can give the idea that others' opinions don't matter because they already know everything. Asking questions encourages connections and builds community. It shows other people's opinions are to be respected and valued.
The third part is that we give the gift of time. Pastor Jonathan only brought one description of how that looks (probably from time restraints) but I would like to offer two. I see this as something we do to support and be there for each other. We are given only 24 hours in a day. Hopefully 8 of that is claimed by sleep. So, if someone chose to give one of those 16 hours to spending time with me, I hope to show the person I appreciate the investment of wisdom and friendship into my life. I appreciate them being there to answer questions I have. There is also the avenue of the gift of time as in space. When working through questions or big life decisions, we try to let the person have the time and space to make these decisions without the stress and pressure of having to make that decision now. If there are questions or struggles, feel free to take the space to contemplate them. We are here when you want time for discussion.
I wish I could say that every church was like this or that anyone is 100% perfect at doing it. I can say there are many that are like that in their individual ways. People are capable of mistakes but we are all part of the one body that is the Church Jesus spoke about. And I definitely know He is big on forgiveness and giving another try.
Please allow me the opportunity to say welcome to my blog and discuss things with you by stepping forward to comment. If you would like time to think about what I said, that's good, too. I'm here if you'd like to talk.
