Are we a perfect Church???

I don’t know why, but I keep thinking about our Church and wonder what people perceive when they grace our doors. When you are looking for a Church to be the anchor in your life, it’s sort of like looking for a house. You want to make sure the foundation is sound and not crumbling. Most homes you look at need little repairs here and there – maybe a little paint and sweeping out. I think that’s how it is with the Church. I feel like our Church has a sound foundation, but at times it needs to be swept, freshened up, and maintained. Some folks look for the “perfect church” to serve their needs. It’s sad to say, but they will never find it. Are we perfect? No – absolutely not! But we are a church that is striving to be kept in good repair (spiritually speaking) and each time we gather, we do a sort of sweeping of our soul and re-examine our walk. I think the glue that holds us together is the love we all share for each other. I love it that we don’t have gimmicks to draw people to us. This is a genuine, humble, and loving congregation. There will always be some who come to us and not find that special gimmick to keep them there, but if only they could participate in the fellowship and learn what true worship is all about, they would surely want to stay and be a part of who we are. As in the manner of Friends, I’m always so amazed how many people make private decisions to follow Christ then to see first hand the growth that happens in those individuals. I suppose some Pastors feel like a failure if they don’t see souls saved each week – but I have never felt that way. When I look back over the years of this ministry my mind goes back to the many people who have made decisions privately and talked with me privately about it. I realized a long time ago, that people come to the Lord through the seeds that are sown by not only the Pastor, but the people who live their lives as an example. Another huge factor in having a healthy Church is having a congregation that is non-judgemental. I believe with all of my heart that this attitude is pleasing to the Lord. When I think of His many encounters with the sinner – he never judged them. He only said – “go and sin no more”. The Bible tells us that each person is to work out their own salvation. Salvation is between the sinner and the Lord as each of us “individually” must answer to the Lord in those matters. No – I don’t give an “alter call” very often – but that isn’t to say that I’m denying people the opportunity of Salvation. It is birthed in the heart as we feed ourselves spiritually through the Word, the sermon, Sunday School classes, and the fellowship of like believers.

Hey – maybe we are almost perfect!!!! People are being saved – maybe not in the way some think they should be, but they are being saved and I’m seeing the fruit of those decisions in many people’s lives. Praise God for Hinkle Creek Friends and the newness and fresh Spirit He has bestowed upon us.