Alicia and I have been desiring to draw our church hunting to a close for several weeks now. We have started narrowing our choices down considerably based on what we want, need, and otherwise desire in a church.
We crave a church home! We want to become part of other folks' lives! We want to have people over for dinner, and go to houses for dinner! We want to grow spiritually with other families!
Guess we're not the only ones...
According to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study, people who are in a church are happier! The study concludes that it isn't because of theology, but because of relationships...small wonder. Christians who have been in church for any amount of time know that God has called us to, and has blessed us through, relationships and social interaction.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says it all: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (NIV).
Let us encourage someone this weekend. What do you say?
5 comments:
I agree with you. Going to church every week make the rest of the week workable for me. When I miss, I just feel out of sorts all week. We have made wonderful friends at church that spill out into the community. Hope that you,Alicia and kids find a great home church soon.
You know, people often talk about how messy church is, the potential for conflict and whatnot. I see it as any relationship you invest yourself heavily into. Sure, there's a lot of risk, but the dividends are very high too. No emotional investment, no payoff!
Anon, thank you for your thoughts. I too struggle at times when I haven't had any good Christian fellowship. That's one of the reasons why I made sure we got into some sort of fellowship as soon as we got here. I'm very grateful for the military Bible study we go to on Thursday nights. It's a big blessing.
Matt, it makes me sick that "Christians" don't want to be with other Christians. They will use the excuses you mention here without realizing that their secular life is just as ugly, depressing, etc. Christianity is the refuge. It's unfortunate that one cannot find this refuge outside of Christ, for then the entire world could be truly happy, but it is not possible. The only way to find refuge is to find it in Christ, and often he works through his fellowship of believers. One just has to be willing to get a little unsightly.
I know a great home church that would love to have you back but it's a little bit of a commute! :) We just had the women's Christmas tea and the church sponsored several teachers from John's school since we're now in a partenership with them. One, a Christian at Horizon, is trying to convince her husband to come to CEBC because the welcoming, family feeling. Another is Catholic and her husband is Greek Orthodox but she said she felt so at home there she has considered coming!
There is nothing like having a church family. It keeps you more centered in Christ when you have the friendship and support that is centered in Christ as well. Hope you guys find a wonderful home church.
There is another Awana family that is moving that way that wants to get connected to you guys so they can find out about the Awana program the kids are in. Maybe by then you'll be able to introduce them to a wonderful new church family as well.
Demi,
Thank you so much for your comments. Kenny has also been wonderfully gracious and said that he wished we could still be there as well. Who knows what will happen in three years! Anyway, suffice to say that CEBC is the measuring stick for us when it comes to friendliness. I'm glad that other families are finding the church as warm as we did.
Go through Alicia regarding the family that is moving up here. We'd love to help get them settled. Can't wait to help!
Post a Comment