Shelter in a Storm

Is it a fundamental misunderstanding that causes a person to investigate “church” from the standpoint of what they can get out of it?  Is it selfishness?  Perhaps it’s a matter of what the minimum requirement for membership might be, since it should feel comfortable and relaxing to go to church. 

I overheard a conversation recently, wherein the participants discussed the subject of choosing, or changing their church affiliation.  In the whole discussion there was no mention of truth, grace or doctrinal correctness.  The selection process seemed to focus on what the various organizations were able to provide in the way of activities for children and whether worship services met various criteria such as fitting into a busy secular schedule, the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of the music, and a general feeling of being welcome and fitting in.  What all of these things have in common is that they fulfill self-centered needs.

First impressions are very important.  The reality is that these are the kinds of things that create first impressions.  Maybe some of these are reasons a guest might come back, and that in coming back they might find a firm foundation for belief, truth, and grace.  Without Christ as a foundation, connection and affiliation with a local church becomes a loose decision based on emotions and feelings which easily change from day to day and week to week.   

We can be very good at taking care of the physical needs of people in the name of Jesus, but always remember that the goal is that a soul is saved and God is glorified.  In our acts of caring it’s important that people know that it is to God’s credit that His church has such character.  It’s a life of service for the purpose of bringing people to Christ.  The act of Worship should certainly be uplifting to the worshipper, but our expression of love for the creator and His Christ are at the center.

We will make a first impression.  Our guests will evaluate their first experience with us, so we must try to accommodate their expectations, and then help to focus our guest’s evaluations on our core beliefs.  When it comes to caring, and sharing the Gospel, people must be led to understand why we care, so they can be looking for a foundation, not just a shelter in a time of storms.  Perhaps a secular activity is a good place to knock out the making of a first impression.