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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
Have you ever had to go 'church shopping'?
Have you ever moved to a new city and had to visit around for a church? Probably one of the most important criteria in choosing a church home (other than doctrine) is the reception we receive as we walk in the front door. Whether a church is a warm & caring fellowship can be determined within 10 mintues of entering it's doors!
Being new in a church where everybody already knows each other can be a lonely experience - particularly if the people in the church are cliquish or exclusive. In most churches the minister will ususally ask people to stand and greet each other on Sunday morning...and folks may smile at someone they don't know and shake their hand. But as soon as the service is over they congregate with their friends and zoom out the door for lunch...leaving the newcomers with the feeling that they are an 'outsider'.
Breaking into an entrenched group of friends can be nearly impossible. That is why it is important for Christians to make room for guests, seekers and guests. As Christ's outreach to the world, the CHURCH has an important place in eliminating loneliness. Godly fellowship is an expression of God's love to His followers. In fact, Jesus told His apostles that He would not leave them 'lonely'..."And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
If you are comfortable in your church home - praise the Lord for your friends...BUT don't forget to reach out to those around you that you don't know. Welcome the 'new faces' as they get out of their car in the parking lot; help those who standing in the church hallway with a 'deer in the headlight' look on their face (they're probably searching for the nursery or a restroom); make a beeline to guests after the service and simply introduce yourself and ask them their name; scoot to the center of the pew and make room for guests to sit next to you.
Your genuine handshake or gentle pat on the back, your warm smile, your sweet words of welcome are a reflection of Christ's love to others.
It is my prayer that Central Christian Church of Jonesborough, churches in our community, and bodies of believers around the world will not be 'Holy Huddles' - but will be a place where the hurting can find healing, the lonely can find friendship, and the lost can find the Lord!
I'm reminded of the words to one of my favorite Christian songs ...
"This must be the place where a broken heart can mend.
This must be the place where an outcast finds a friend."
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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