What/who do you worship?

www.ridgecrestumc.com

I haven't written much this week. I think it is a case of either not much to write about or too busy to pull my thoughts together and put them on the electronic paper.

I had an encounter with a pastor of another Methodist church this week. This person was very frustrated with their congregation. They were in the process of remodeling their sanctuary and the people (or at least a few vocal leaders) have voiced the concern that those kids (the 20 or so kids that ride the bus to church on Sunday morning, without an adult with them in worship) will tear up the upholstery on the new pews. They are more concerned about the quality of the seats than they are about the quality of the lives of those 20 or so kids who need to hear about the Gospel of Jesus.

At the same time, this church was approached by a non-profit that wanted to lease space from them to operate a Christian pre-school program. They would have about 80 kids in the building every weekday (and their parents, when they drop them off and pick them up). What a great opportunity to impact the lives of a huge number of families. And it would cost the church nothing. In fact, they would receive rent and utility assistance. But some leaders of the church don't want to do it, because the rooms they would need are used for Sunday School and they might mess them up.

We sing a song that says "The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people". Some people haven't learned that yet. Some people have put their building in the place of God. They worship the bricks and mortar, rather than worshipping the One who can build something that really matters. I pray that as we remodel our kitchen and, perhaps do some other much needed remodeling, we don't fall into the same trap. We improve the building to make it more comfortable and enjoyable so that we can better attract those who need to hear the Gospel.

Please be praying for this other pastor. He is frustrated and needs a word of encouragement from the Lord. And remember:

It is all about making disciples for Jesus!