So I realize it has been a little while since I wrote a Church Hunting blog, though I have been blogging haphazard walks for those of you interested.The reason I've gotten behind on my church hunting blog is that 1) I've been going back to some of the same churches, and didn't really know what to say about them 2) One Sunday I didn't get to go to church at all, though I drove around for over an hour and pulled up to 4 churches... long story (I did go to Target) and 3) Well, because I'm tired. Yeah, excuses excuses.
But now I'm here to update you on my church finding exploits. Namely I think I've found "the one". Kidding, it isn't that extreme, but I have found a church I'm wading a little deeper with. Meaning that I actually went to their "Everything you ever wanted to know about our church and a little you didn't" meeting this Sunday (no, they didn't really call it that... but it would great if they did).
That is exactly what I want. I want a church that is going to lay it all out and say, "Well, here are the things about our church that aren't that wonderful. Thought you should know." Because I am not looking for the perfect church. How can I? Churches are made of people and people mess up.
Anyway, something hit me while attending the "Our church in a nutshell" seminar. The teacher/leader type person said something amazing, I paraphrase;
"It is my personal belief that if you feel called to a particular church it is because there is something you can bring to that church that no one else can. That if God is calling you here, it is so you can do something for Him."
That would be awesome. I've never been the kind of person who just attends church, so I would love for God to lead me to the church in which I would have the most impact for His kingdom.
All of this lead me to a new train of thought. I've been looking for a church that meets my needs, (because let's face it, I'm a needy person). Does this church have what I need? Is this church going to let me down? Do I like it here? Can I trust these people? My brother-in-law even mentioned to me that I needed to put my trust not in people, but in God. I blew that comment off thinking, "Yeah, yeah, but I want to trust the people I go to church with too". (His blog can be found here by the way: http://www.onlythebroken.org/).
Now I'm re-thinking this entire church hunting thing. Maybe instead of praying, "Lord, help me find the right church for me." I should be praying, "Lord, help me to know where you want me to be." It may be that God can best use me at this church whose “Meet-n-greet” meeting I went too. Or maybe I was there to hear those words, "If God is calling you here it is so you can do something for Him".
That is what I really want. I want my life to count for something! And I want God to use me in big ways. I think it was Henry Blackaby who said, "Find out where God is working and join Him." Of course that can be easier said than done, and also God isn't working in just one place. But still it’s a thought to start with.
So as I start visiting churches in a deeper way--going to "All about us" seminars, visiting Life Groups, scouting out where I could serve--I hope to keep my prayer, "Is this where you are calling me to serve you Lord?" Personally I hope He answers in an undeniable, unforgettable way. I'll keep you posted!
