Closeness in the Church

From time to time I like writing about the bond of God's love which exists in many congregations of the Lord's church.  When we yield our will to the Will of God, submit in loving trust and obedience to him, the Bible assures us the Lord adds us to his church.

I can reflect and relate to numerous experiences where this bond of Christian people has been a factor offering support to Christians in need, with problems or difficult circumstances, or perhaps someone that needs an extra dose of encouragement.  If we are truthful with ourselves, those of us who are active in our Christian faith, can relate some "valley" events in our lives when we were lifted up by the concern of other Christians, praying for us, supporting us, helping us, all because we were part of God's family.

I can watch that bond of love when our worship services end each week, and people seem to migrate toward others to give a hug or shake their hand, letting them know they have been mentioned in prayer or  thought about in family devotionals.  The more I think about it, a lot of the joy we receive from worship, aside from those special moments of meeting God, is derived from the friendly association with others in the church. 

I would never say or do anything to cause that type of visiting and fellowship to come to an end. It is essential in the body of Christ.  But, today, consider another angle with me. 

In our church, which has experienced phenomenal growth in a short period of time, we seem to always have a lot of "first time visitors," many from within our own community.  I am wondering how many of those people were included in the conversations and visiting after church was over?   I know it doesn't get down to a pattern of where we speak to "x" number of church members and "x" number of visitors, just to make our score card balance out.  I am just saying, many of those who come through our front door and receives a verbal greeting, and  is interested in seeking a church home, leaves our worship services without hearing encouraging words for them to "come back soon."

One writer which I follow closely expressed it like this.  "Closeness to others in the church is important and strengthens the body, but we should also be aware of those who visit, and go away thinking the only people we are close to and spend our time with, are those who are already in the church."  

Is it possible for us to experience such a closeness to the church family, that our closeness closes out some who are attending in search of a church family?  We feel content with church when our needs are met, but what about the needs of those who are still searching, still seeking, and still feel as though they are on the outside?

Think of the good that can be accomplished when you walk up to someone you have never met, and with an extended hand, say, "Hello, I am Joe, and I am really glad you are here."  Spend some time today thinking and praying about your role in helping the local church reach out to a community and its individuals who come our way.

<ronbwriting@gmail.com>