Home (Church) Sweet Home
Jan 4th, 2010 by John
The post below is by Lisa Bowyer who, with her family, was visiting relatives in Texas over the holidays. Lisa attends Fellowship Evangelical Covenant Church where I am pastor. I was gratified to read Lisa’s thankfulness for her “home sweet home” church.
Home Sweet Home
As I type this, I am starting my second week of vacation in San Antonio, TX. I am having the time of my life, the kids are enjoying endless play time with their cousins, and the food down here is authentic and amazing! While we’ve been here, we’ve had the opportunity to go to our family’s church- which happens to be the 16th largest church in the country. Now as I acknowledge that there are different churches, sizes, styles, etc to connect with different people, I sat during the service wishing I was home. I looked around and was overwhelmed with thankfulness for Fellowship Covenant. Yes, we are small. Yes, we may struggle financially. But we have so much more that I am thankful for…
I am thankful that I don’t have to get to church an hour early to get a seat.
That we don’t have to hold hands and form a “Bowyer chain” just to get in and out of church without losing one of our kids.
That I have enough of a hard time just getting my husband and kids to church, I don’t have to remember my Bible every week. That we have wonderful men and women who make sure we can follow along in the Word and follow in song.
That we don’t have to dim and brighten the lights throughout the service to make it more dramatic. We ask the Holy Spirit to come and be in everything we do.
That I can see Pastor John, Jeremy, or Jay while they preach. I don’t have to squint to see a big screen. I can see their emotions and feel their passion and love for God as they preach.
That I don’t have to put my children in a separate building for church, assigned a number that flashes on a screen if they cry so you can come and get them. Our children are welcomed, comfortable, and loved BY NAME in our church.
That we don’t clap after every song we sing. That our service is not a production, but truly an offering to God.
That it is not possible to go to a service at our church without someone calling you by name, asking how you are doing, and giving you a hug. We can not hide in our church. We are held accountable, supported, encouraged, and LOVED!
So in closing, I am very happy our family down here has found a church that they like. That is important to me. And their church ministers to many people in many different ways. But for me and my family, I am so grateful for our small, intimate, loving church. Each one of you holds a special place in my heart, and I am so blessed to be able to call you family! I am so thankful for you and can’t wait to be home!
Thank You.
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John,
I was just talking to a dear friend today about truth and grace. The two of them usually aren’t seen together. You can speak the truth but most often grace isn’t there. You can shower grace but how often do we speak the truth while doing it? Lisa’s writing contains both. I am priviledged to be her friend as well a part of this church family. Thanks for sharing it with others.
Rachel
My name is Sheri & I was guided to this post by a kindred spirit who attends your church. As I read Lisa’s post I too am glad for the small church I attend. You see, many years ago (16 to be exact!) I attended a “Megga” church such as she described. I can attest to each of her points. It is sooo wonderful to worship in a place that you are a person and not a number, where you know EVERYONE who attends and don’t think people are visitors when they attend one of the other 3 services/morning than they usually do or have to have parking attendants w/lighted lights similar to those used by airports to guide the plane into the gate! It was great to reflect on those things she mentioned & those I remembered; to make me cherish the “warm, fuzzy” feeling I get when I have missed a week of worship and friends welcome you back “home”.
Sheri G
I too enjoyed this post. I myself had been a member of a couple of large churches and one mega-church. My wife said she always felt like she was at a bus station. I prefer a church where those who go to church actually know my name. I went to a large 7k church for one year, joined the social groups. Met 2 people and one of them tried sellimg me Amway. LOL We recently moved back to Ohio and in our new church of 40 people, everyone knows us after 4 weeks. We have broken bread with many, and have ministered with all.