I wrote previously that David and I recently became members at our church. I am so, so thankful for our church.
A few weeks ago we weren’t going to be there in the morning because I was not feeling well. David called our class teacher and shared a prayer request regarding my gestational diabetes so our class could be praying for us and the decisions about my treatment.
That evening I was feeling better so we went to the evening service. We didn’t even make it out of the parking lot and someone came over and asked us about my situation. As it turns out, they announced it in the morning service. It hadn’t been our intention to have it announced there, but that was what happened. And I’m glad it did.
I cannot begin to express how loved we have felt so quickly by this congregation. I literally cannot walk ten steps through the church without someone stopping me and asking me how I am doing, telling me they are praying for me and the baby, etc. I received phone calls from a few women and a card from another woman. We’ve been asked if we need meals or any help with anything. People – both men and women – have been so kind and concerned.
This is PRECISELY why I wanted to be in a smaller, more family-like church. We are KNOWN. We are not lost in a crowd of people I would never know if I passed them on the street. This is also PRECISELY why I wanted to become members and not just visit indefinitely. Because we shared our testimonies and our story, people know us. Because we became members, people know we are committed to the church. We aren’t visitors who might or might not be around in a few months. We made a commitment to them and now I see their commitment to us. And, frankly, it just blesses my socks off.
I really look forward to getting past the pregnancy so I can get more involved at the church and not miss so many prayer meetings and services because I’m not feeling well. I am thankful to be in a church where those opportunities are available to me. But mostly I am so grateful to be in a congregation where we are known and loved. It was a long journey, but perhaps the long journey just makes the results that much sweeter.
AMEN! We’ve had this during a season of our life. That season brought the greatest spiritual growth, life-long relationships, and deep satisfaction. You are blessed in such a place.
Ugh…typed out an answer and forgot to answer the spam question!
Anyway, WONDERFUL! I Love that feeling! We had that sort of church back home. Here we found a huge church that we like, but it definately lacks that close family feel (I mean it’s still great, but just not the same)
I’ve only been a member of one church, and that was the church I attended for about 5.5 years in the last state I lived in.
I liked the small church very much, except that I thought it could have been more bold, and I prefer the KJV to the NKJV, and gospel music to contemporary (however the contemporary sang at my last church was nicely done, and NOT loud.)
We had a HARD time finding a church here in our new state. It seemed like each church we visit was either a cult (campbelites, landmarkists, Purpose Driven), or was was too big.
We finally found an independent fundamentalist Baptist church in our area. We had never heard of such a church, but some nice people on my blog suggest I find one of these types of churches. – WoW! That church hold almost all of the same beliefs I do – all the way down to dressing modestly and having the KJV as our favorite.
Furthermore, I homeschool my children, and so does just about all of the other families in attendence. ‘ve never received so much support for my personal convictions in my walk with Christ.
My blog is a bit strong for some of them, but most of them like it, and that is saying a lot about the type of people they are, and they type I am.
The preaching at my church is so bold, that I can’t help but sit upright and emphatically shake my head yes to so many things said. I often need to refrain myself from jumping up and clapping. Pastor speaks plainly out against things that other pastors like to sweep under the rug. Because of this, the members have a high respect for our church.
However, I am not able to become an “official” member, however I have been received as one, and treated as one. The one downfall of my church is that one needs to be baptized in a Baptist church before becoming a member of this church. I was baptized in a non-denominational church over 10 years ago, and will not bring myself to a mind-set of “the traditions of men” by getting baptized again, which would not only be meaningless to me, but would make me feel I would be mocking God. Because of this, we are also unable to take communion at our church, so we do it at home as a family instead.
We attend on Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday evenings. Also, hubby and my oldest often go out soul-winning with the church as well.
I have so many lady friends who are giving me homeschooling materials and baby stuff for my up and coming baby (I’m 35 weeks preggy with #4). There are many ladies waiting to find out the gender of my baby (I won’t know until the birth), so that they can give me some gender specific baby clothes. This is great for them, because it is clearing up room in their storage, and great for me, because I need baby clothes.
In concluding my rambling post, it is GREAT when one finally finds a church that they love. In this day and age a good, Bible teaching church is really getting harder and harder to find.
Ah, that is one thing I really miss about a small church.
We now go to a large church and I love it, but even though we have a small group that we meet with each week, it somehow isn’t the same as a small church.
I feel the same way about our church, Sallie! The people really care about us. It’s nice to belong to a wonderful church!
Sallie,
My church is also a caring, small church.
It is a great feeling to be embraced by so many brothers and sisters (in the Lord) of al ages.
How cool that they’ve been praying for you all.