As part of the Thanksgiving season, I have tried to post an 'attitude of gratitude' daily on my Facebook status. I am enjoying the discipline of this because it forces me to really think about all for which I have to be thankful . Today's status had to do with my thankfulness for my church. There are a lot of things I wanted to say in that status, but because of space constraints, I felt it better to expound in the blog.
Let me start by saying that the statement, "My Church Rocks" was a long time in coming. As I have told people along the way, I don't do church well. Yep, my past is littered with church hopping activities that would make your head spin. I "dated" so many churches that I've been there, done that, written the book, bought the T-shirt and could star in the made for TV movie! I will say that none of the moves were ever made because of bad doctrinal issues. Some were made because the environment wasn't conducive to me growing spiritually, some were made because of pastoral changes, some because I disagreed with the direction and character issues going on in the church, and still some because I was plain ticked, bored or whatever. Mostly, they all included a big character issue in my own life - spiritual and emotional immaturity.
So what's changed? To be honest, I believe it's a combination of what is within the walls of Maple City Baptist Church and what the Lord has done within the walls of my heart because of it. Let me give you a few examples of what I mean....
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A pastor who is passionate about Jesus Christ and His Word: My pastor is a man who is pointedly honest about his failings. He realizes that the call on his life is a gift from God, and I will tell you from first hand knowledge, that he takes that calling seriously. Sometimes, it's not pretty with bows and toothy smiles. Sometimes it is hard words that must be said. In fact, he and I have had some pretty difficult moments between us. Times that I have wanted to get mad and leave...but, within the walls of my heart, the Holy Spirit would remind me that he is following the One that I follow. I cannot begin to explain how very glad I am that I listened to the Holy Spirit because there was always a lesson in it for me, even if I disagreed initially with what was said. There isn't an ounce of doubt in my mind that I am a stronger, deeper, and more in love with Christ believer because of him.
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Music that lets me praise the only One worthy: Yes, the music at MCBC isn't traditional in most senses of that word. It literally rocks most of the time! Sometimes, a 'traditional' hymn is added to the mix. But as a rule, it is purposeful in allowing us to offer up praise to the Lord. Sometimes it convicts because I know my heart isn't 'feeling' what the words are saying and I can then and there get it right. Often, it opens my heart to the Word that will be shared in the message.
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It is expected that I will have a daily walk with Jesus - all part of the discipleship process: MCBC isn't a church where you walk in and get your 'Sunday dose' of Jesus. Oh yeah, you will get the word taught on Sunday morning, but there is so much more to walking with Christ. An even larger part of growth is discipleship. This is a combination of teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. It is where one learns doctrine, builds a relationship with another more mature believer, gets accountability to grow closer to Jesus through obedience, and learns the disciplines of daily bible reading and Scripture memorization. Because of this biblical concept, I have grown more in the past 8 years than in the previous 25. The Lord has really peeled much from my way of thinking...and still has more to do...which leads me to:
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The People: Yes, there are people in every church. There were people in the churches that I've attended that I loved and with whom I still keep in contact. There were some that I didn't particularly gel with, which is just fine. So what is different? I wonder if it isn't His grace in maturing me. Unfortunately, we believers are a fallible bunch. Sometimes, we inadvertently hurt others. Sometimes, we are down right rude. It seems, however, that I have expected more out of my fellow Christians while excusing the same faults in myself (yep, the old log vs. splinter concept). That being said, I am finding a richness to the relationships I have with several women in this congregation unlike I've ever experienced before. It's the first time I have ever felt safe to be the fallible me, knowing that I am going to get the truth about those faults, but in a way that brings me into reconciliation with the Lord. It's not about pointing out flaws, but rather pointing out truth in an effort to deal with it and move forward. It's difficult and beautiful all at the same time! I also have brothers in this midst who look out for me and my best interest. Very cool!
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The final thing that makes my church rock is ~ it doesn't fit in the 'box'! My church isn't PC, it isn't showy, it isn't too avant garde, it isn't traditional. There are people from all walks of life that come through the doors...people with real hurts, real problems, real addictions, real hang-ups; people who are materially wealthy and people who are materially lacking; people who have know Jesus 30+ years and people who met Him for the first time a week ago...and we all are part of this family. The reason I love being out of the box is because that is where Jesus does His best work!
Happy Thanksgiving!
