"They have a heavy metal guitarist guy" was the first thought that went through my mind when I walked into the first service at the new church. He had the long hair, belting out the worship riffs, and was head thrashing with the song. He fit the stereotypical heavy metal musician look. Looked like he belonged in Metallica.
Worship had already started and I was already ready to come back the following week. Not the strongest of reasons to join a church, but hear me out.
To be fair, it wasn't the only reason. Just the first of many first impressions as God walked me to our new church home. Being a big time heavy metal fan, I had never seen this during worship - so I was completely down with this performance. If they had a mosh pit down front, I would have considered joining in.
Anyways, he played with passion. He was playing free and being himself during worship. There was no hesitation in the performance. He was worshipping the way he felt led. No fear, no second-guessing what others might think. Plus, he was rocking the joint. So, there was that.
That's what drew me in. That this was a church full of passionate people. People were themselves and were accepted. Didn't feel like you would be judged, but rather a safe place. All from a man that resembled a heavy metal guitarist (to be fair, he might not be a fan of heavy metal - but this is my story of my first impressions). The main reason I remember is that the church and heavy metal music don't necessarily go hand in hand. You know heavy metal is the "devil music". (They were playing normal Christian rock not some Christian thrash metal - though that may be a thing somewhere)
The next four weeks, we interacted and prayed with different pastors in the church. Getting to know them and the vision for the church was instrumental in us coming back each week. The only issue we had was that the church had so many people and the services were so close together, it made it difficult to meet people. You churched, then left when done so the next church goers could come in for service.
We decided to join a home group with the rationale of building relationships with people. A smaller, more intimate setting would be a way to meet new friends. So, we signed up for a group and waited. And waited. And waited some more.
We had chosen a home group led by one of the pastors. I felt the pastor, at least, would make an effort to include everyone. Sometimes you can join a group that has been together for so long that it is hard to fit in. It becomes an accidental clique through no fault of their own, it just naturally happens. You feel on the outside and struggle and eventually walk away.
After a few weeks of not hearing back, Susan called the church to see if there was an issue in our joining the home group. Our request had fallen through the cracks. Within the hour, one of the pastors talked to Susan for over an hour. He apologized four or five times for this. Life happens, so we were not upset. In fact, we had thought not hearing anything was a sign that this wasn't the church we were meant to be at. That changed when Susan got this call.
I am firmly convinced had this incident not occurred, we would have moved on to another church. (I mean the falling through the cracks, not the apology call). God knew what had happened at our prior church where we felt unseen and this was looking like a repeat. Being invisible and unknown again. But, God wanted us to see it happen and how the result this time would be so much different.
I have said in prior blogs that it is the smallest of gestures that can carry the greatest weight. Sermons are great, worship is amazing, and learning the Word is awesome. But, if the human element, community, is missing the rest is meaningless. Not that our inaction or insensitivity can nullify God's work - but why come to a church when the church is no different acting than the outside world. It is not too deep either. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, hug, or saying "hello" will have on another. It doesn't rely on knowing the right prayers, the correct scripture, or prophecy. These are easy to do and anyone can do them.
We have been active at this new church for over two years now. We help during the service by being a welcome presence. We know what it's like to be an invisible presence. We led a home group for a little while and are part of a different one now. We also help with new members connecting with groups and learning about the vision of the church. In this time, we have met many and have learned uplifting stories along the way.
No longer in the wilderness. It has been quite the journey for us these last several years. God has shown me much even in the dry times and now in these new times. The journey is still ongoing.
Worship had already started and I was already ready to come back the following week. Not the strongest of reasons to join a church, but hear me out.
To be fair, it wasn't the only reason. Just the first of many first impressions as God walked me to our new church home. Being a big time heavy metal fan, I had never seen this during worship - so I was completely down with this performance. If they had a mosh pit down front, I would have considered joining in.
Anyways, he played with passion. He was playing free and being himself during worship. There was no hesitation in the performance. He was worshipping the way he felt led. No fear, no second-guessing what others might think. Plus, he was rocking the joint. So, there was that.
That's what drew me in. That this was a church full of passionate people. People were themselves and were accepted. Didn't feel like you would be judged, but rather a safe place. All from a man that resembled a heavy metal guitarist (to be fair, he might not be a fan of heavy metal - but this is my story of my first impressions). The main reason I remember is that the church and heavy metal music don't necessarily go hand in hand. You know heavy metal is the "devil music". (They were playing normal Christian rock not some Christian thrash metal - though that may be a thing somewhere)
The next four weeks, we interacted and prayed with different pastors in the church. Getting to know them and the vision for the church was instrumental in us coming back each week. The only issue we had was that the church had so many people and the services were so close together, it made it difficult to meet people. You churched, then left when done so the next church goers could come in for service.
We decided to join a home group with the rationale of building relationships with people. A smaller, more intimate setting would be a way to meet new friends. So, we signed up for a group and waited. And waited. And waited some more.
We had chosen a home group led by one of the pastors. I felt the pastor, at least, would make an effort to include everyone. Sometimes you can join a group that has been together for so long that it is hard to fit in. It becomes an accidental clique through no fault of their own, it just naturally happens. You feel on the outside and struggle and eventually walk away.
After a few weeks of not hearing back, Susan called the church to see if there was an issue in our joining the home group. Our request had fallen through the cracks. Within the hour, one of the pastors talked to Susan for over an hour. He apologized four or five times for this. Life happens, so we were not upset. In fact, we had thought not hearing anything was a sign that this wasn't the church we were meant to be at. That changed when Susan got this call.
I am firmly convinced had this incident not occurred, we would have moved on to another church. (I mean the falling through the cracks, not the apology call). God knew what had happened at our prior church where we felt unseen and this was looking like a repeat. Being invisible and unknown again. But, God wanted us to see it happen and how the result this time would be so much different.
I have said in prior blogs that it is the smallest of gestures that can carry the greatest weight. Sermons are great, worship is amazing, and learning the Word is awesome. But, if the human element, community, is missing the rest is meaningless. Not that our inaction or insensitivity can nullify God's work - but why come to a church when the church is no different acting than the outside world. It is not too deep either. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, hug, or saying "hello" will have on another. It doesn't rely on knowing the right prayers, the correct scripture, or prophecy. These are easy to do and anyone can do them.
We have been active at this new church for over two years now. We help during the service by being a welcome presence. We know what it's like to be an invisible presence. We led a home group for a little while and are part of a different one now. We also help with new members connecting with groups and learning about the vision of the church. In this time, we have met many and have learned uplifting stories along the way.
No longer in the wilderness. It has been quite the journey for us these last several years. God has shown me much even in the dry times and now in these new times. The journey is still ongoing.
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