December Prayer Ministries

“THE CHURCH…a Place to Belong” "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God". Ephesians 2:19

Maybe some of you may remember the TV program, “Cheers”. There is a verse from the theme song that says “Sometimes you want to be where troubles are all the same…you want to be where everybody knows your name” I believe these words speak to a need we all feel—to be known and to belong. It is no surprise that God created us as social creatures. We were made for friendships, for family, for deep, caring relationships. When that is missing in our lives, we go searching for it.

Have you ever walked into a room and wondered, “Do I belong here?” Maybe you weren’t dressed like everyone else. Maybe you felt like your past disqualified you. Sadly, there are people who feel that way when they walk into a church. They come wanting to belong and end up leaving disappointed. The church is not to be that way. The church is meant to be the most welcoming place on earth. A place where people can come as they are and feel accepted, loved, and valued. A place that offers belonging, no matter what you do, or what you have done, or mistakes you’ve made or accomplishments you’ve achieved. A place where you do not have to pull out your resume to prove your worth. God accepts you for who he created you to be and for whom he wants you to become.

Church should be the place where people can bring their mess without fear of judgment —and experience the love that leads to change. —unknown 

The early churches drew in many people. They had no church building, no paid staff, no programs, no choir, no organ, no parking lots, no contemporary worship and amazingly, no internet. And yet, the church grew, because people wanted to belong, and to be part of something bigger, to be part of a community that could achieve more by working together. So, what made these early churches so attractive? People cared for one another. Their differing ethnic and social groups, their skin colors, cultures, and languages did not matter. All that mattered was the common thread of belonging and sharing their faith in Christ with others.

Dear Lord, let us be that kind of church, filled with people who care, love and accept all. Open our eyes to see what might be hindering us from doing your work here at Faith. Open our hearts to accept one another as you accepted all. And, let people be attracted to you by what they see in us. Amen