Bigger’s not always Better….

Steve and I joined a church this morning.  This church has no great programs for anyone between the ages of 0-100.  It has no programs for singles, divorced, married, or widowed people.  It has no elaborate sound systems, no big loud bands, no people dressed in $300 jeans with spiked hair and shiney black squared off toe shoes, no video screens, no praise music, and to boot, the pastor is present to shake your hand after church.  This church, by today’s standards, is everything “not cool” about church.  The one thing it has that shines brighter than all the technology, programs, multitudes, and slick words is Jesus.  The service is enriched in the true worship of God.  It isn’t saturated with the basic “ME ME ME is why You are YOU, and why you do what you do” nonsense.

I have to say, Steve and I were sold on the church the very first time we sat through a service.  Several times, we were brought to tears with the humbling nature of the worship.  I cannot remember a time I have personally been touched so deeply by this little, tiny church in an itty bitty town in Alabama.  The first service, we were warmly welcomed with smiles, hand-shakes, and  joy in the faces of those who were truly happy we were there.  That particular Sunday, there were a total of about 15 people there, and, besides me, Steve, Asher, and the pastor, no one was under the age of 60.  Most were quite older.

We left the church certain this was where God wanted us to be.  However, we had a deep concern over the fact there was no one there with kids Asher’s age.  Steve emailed the pastor and told him our concern, and his response was incredible.  Basically, he said that everyone in the church deserved the very best everyone had to offer:  this included Asher. The answer he gave was awesome, but we decided to “try out” other churches.  We made it to 2 other churches before we said, “Forget this!  We are going back to OUR church!”.

So, why did we decide to go to a small church?  Well, first of all, we knew this where God wanted us to go.  Secondly, we knew that there we could gather with others to truly worship God.  Thirdly, this church family would know we existed and desire the best for our spiritual life.

As far as Asher is concerned, what good are all those fancy programs if Daddy and Mommy are getting fed junk food on Sunday morning?  If the parents are eating good, healthy food, the kids cannot help but see that and do the same.  Asher’s spiritual life is being built in watching his parents and his church family come before the LIVING GOD in true worship and in true humility.

Oh, there is one more reason why we joined the church.  The pastor was quick to point this out.  Velma’s sausage balls are kickin’ it good…