And usually the conversation includes the person or family saying something like, “we’re looking for a church that’s a good fit. We just want a place where it feels comfortable.”
For many years, that reasoning made good sense. In fact, it still does.
But wouldn’t it be great if just one time I or some other pastor would hear someone say, “we’re just looking for a church that’s uncomfortable. We really want Jesus to stretch us through our home church“?
That person would be so open to adventures in worship and risks in ministry! While in the Worship Center, they would love to sit next to someone of a different race, ethnic background, or nationality. And they’d love it even more to work alongside such ethnic diversity at our Room In The Inn or Salvation Army Center of Hope ministry.
Whether you are investigating Good Shepherd Church or even if you’ve been here a long time, how about asking that question, “Is this church making me uncomfortable enough?”
There are 3 comments
Maybe that would be a good way to challenge people who are leaving your community.
For me, GSUMC is both comfortable and uncomfortable.
It is comfortable because:
1) It’s close to home.
2) It’s a great size (not so big that we don’t know anyone, not so small that we feel like we’re under a microscope).
3) I like the worship style.
and
4) I feel safe leaving my young kids in the nursery and K-Zone.
It is uncomfortable because:
1) The preaching and teaching often challenges me to think about the Bible and life in a new way.
2) There are both politically conservative AND liberal people to challenge each others’ way of thinking.
and
3) There are service opportunities (I do the meal prep & delivery) that force me to put myself “out there”.
I think these are all good kinds of uncomfortable.
I think there’s something to the idea that for some, the path to spiritual growth begins with a little comfort.
To be a good servant, it helps to see another being subservient.
A little knowledge, a little primer, a leader to follow — and the journey becomes easier to begin.