This morning I stood before a gathering of people who come together every Sunday to celebrate and remember what God is doing in the world. They also come together at various other times to engage in the work of the Kingdom, the embodiment of the Gospel.
That is part of what drew me to stand before these men, women, and children this morning and speak the following words as I committed myself to the community of St. John’s Lutheran Church…
I did not grow up in a community of faith, but over 20 years ago in my journey of faith, I was a part of this church community. Since then, I have lived around the Midwest, serving several churches in ministry and growing in my understanding of God and God’s mission in the world.
Several years ago, I moved back home to be closer to family. Over the last few years, my life has seen significant transition, including a desire to find a new faith community to share life with. From the moment I entered this building earlier this year, it felt like home. Of course, it helped knowing the Thompsons, who I have known since Eric and I went to school together many years ago. But it is also the many others I have gotten to know these last few months that have helped me come to this decision to call St. John’s home.
I look forward to joining you in your mission. I look forward to getting to know you all better. I look forward to being part of a community where God’s grace, mercy, love, and peace are present.
I have learned during my journey of faith that the size of a congregation does not necessarily determine the spiritual health or missional engagement of that church. Some of the people who do the most meaningful Kingdom work gather in small buildings with communities where everyone knows each another.
This does not mean this is the perfect church. If such a place even existed, I would ruin it the minute I showed up. What I do find here is what was described in the words I shared this morning.
Anyone who desires to engage in the work of the Kingdom should seek a community of faith. I honestly don’t think God loves you any less if you don’t “go to church.” However, there is incredible value and irreplaceable benefits from being in community.
I spent most of this last year without a community of faith to call home. There are many reasons for stepping away for a season. Maybe you were hurt by someone at a church. Maybe your journey has taken you to a place where the way you express your faith needs a different setting. Maybe you need some space to heal. Everyone’s reason is different. But if you ever find yourself without a place to call home, my encouragement is for you to pray, listen, and be open to where the Spirit may lead you.
I hope you don’t look at “going to church” as something you do to appease God. If that is your motivation, please understand God isn’t in the business of taking attendance. Rather, God’s dream for you is a better understanding of grace, love, mercy, and peace. When you find a place that offers that, it might just be somewhere to call home.
Breaking Into Peace 