Church

I had the privilege to go to Leavenworth, WA for a conference this last week. I was able to spend time listening and learning from a great teacher. But I was even more blessed to be able to meet with other DCE's from the Northwest District and be encouraged (and hopefully encourage them) and held up in prayer.

I have become very aware this last week what I have been missing. I have been in the NW District for almost 11 years and this was my first DCE conference. I have most certainly missed out on the fellowship and growth that I experienced this week.

We need each other. God created us as relational people who have a great desire to be with others...to do life with those around us.

We often miss out on this incredible gift because we think we need to go at it alone, or that no one else knows what we are going through, or that we aren't good enough. Too often we see church as too messed up so why would we want to be there?

So I am asking the question: Why not be there? Church can be messed up...but it is because it is made up of people like me. I most certainly am not perfect so please don't expect me to be when I walk through those doors. What I need and what I offer is to be there for the people who I worship with and serve with. When you need a meal...I am here. When you need to cry in sorrow or laugh in celebration...I am here. Do you need someone to pray for you or with you? What about accountability? What about when life sucks and you just aren't sure if you can make it through the night? Guess what? Me too. And everyone else that is sitting in the pews singing "Amazing Grace."

The writer of Hebrews says, "Don't give up meeting together...encourage one another." (10:25)

At what point did we decide that we needed to go this life alone? When did the church members have to become perfect?

Everyone sitting in church is singing the same thing, "...who saved a wretch like me..."

God is not expecting perfection. He took care that in Jesus.

Love. Forgive. Experience. Hope. Heal.