The Body of Christ ... NEEDS YOU!

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:23-25

3 years ago today, through the gracious generosity of a friend and the anonymous giving of some other friends a few days later, I was able to purchase 4 new, desperately needed tires. Then 2 years later when one tire was flat beyond repair another dear couple stepped in amd provided the means for me to replace it.

Today, I am humbled by such giving. I am thankful for the body of Christ. Is it perfect? No ... far from it. But I am so thankful to be a part of it and to be able to rejoice over the good as well as weep over the bad. I am thankful that the Lord has been faithful to provide for my needs when I couldn't see how they would be met or how He would provide the answer before I knew I had a question.

Is there a perfect church? No. Are we called as believers to be in fellowship with the body of Christ? Yes. Just think if you aren't actively involved in a church you might be missing out being the answer to someone's prayer. The Lord has a purpose for you. You are vital to the body of Christ. Your gifts, talents and abilities are needed. You are needed!

I feel like if anyone should be able to receive a "get out of church" card it would be the broken and burned out ministers' families but if you read the Word of God there's not an exception clause. Verse 25 doesn't say "and let us not neglect our meeting together, unless you can't stand church politics ..." or "and let us not neglect our meeting together, unless someone spoke an unkind word to you once or didn't let you sit in their pew or they didn't sing the songs you wanted to sing or the pastor preached too long ..." I could go on and on but I won't. I think you get my point. And to be honest, if anyone gets why you would stay away from the church ... it's me. I totally get it ... I really do.

There have been times where I have been ready to walk away from it all, not my faith, but from my calling to be in ministry. It's tough. And I don't mean that flippantly. I mean some of the nastiest people you will deal with are in the church and you wouldn't believe the vile vitriol that they are capable of spewing from their mouths when you unintentionally cross them. There were days where I thought we had finally hit rock bottom only to find ourselves caught in another landslide. It can feel hopeless but for the believer we are NEVER without hope and that extends to the church. If my family had not experienced some of the worst in the church over the years I could have never truly appreciated some of the very best at the hands of God's people.

If you are struggling to get back into church I humbly offer these suggestions:

1. Ask the Lord to restore that desire for fellowship with other believers.
2. Come to church expecting to encounter the Lord. Nothing else. Nothing less. Read this blog for a gut check. Be the Church ... Come Expectant
3. Do make sure that you are being poured into through the preaching of the Word, through a small group or Bible Fellowship/Life Group/Sunday School class. If the Word of God is not being preached in truth then find a church where it is. Period.
4. Find ways to serve within your church and do not focus on how you can be served. I will go out on a limb and say that if you focus on serving others then you will receive in return. More than likely you'll feel that you are receiving far more blessings through your service than is normal. :) It's ok ... that's normal!
5. When times get tough ... because they will ... hold on to His promises, extend grace, forgiveness and mercy to each other. Look for ways to encourage each other. Do not give into gossip. Do not participate in slandering the church. Do not enable it to continue. How do you know if you are an enabler? You may not agree with it but you don't do anything to stop it. Would you stand for someone being critical of your spouse, children, mom or best friend? The church is the broken, battered and bought Bride of Christ. Defend her. If your pastor is a man of integrity ... defend him. (And know that I am speaking to myself on this point in particular!)
6. Remember that church is for the believers ... we need the encouragement of corporate worship! This is where we prepare to minister to non believers. This is where we find our encouragement to continue in the race and to finish well. We need each other, as Paul reminds us, because the Lord's return is drawing near and friends, it is drawing near.  
7. Finally, think about the persecuted Christians all over the world who do not have the freedom and privilege of gathering publicly with fellow believers at a set time every week. They are willing to lose their lives for corporate worship and yet we act as if it is a death sentence to have to go to church each week. Friends, it's time we get over ourselves and get back to being  and being with the body of Christ.

If you are hesitant about getting back into church or don't want to go by yourself let me know. You can come with me or I will help you find a church and connect you with someone there. You don't have to do this alone. I am here and I am praying for you. For those of you who have been a part of being the hands and feet of Jesus to the Mullins family and more specifically to me, thank you. I love you more than words can say. Your acts of service and generosity have not been forgotten. I pray to one day be able to pass those gifts on and ask the Lord to return to you a hundredfold that which you have given to us.

Photo Credit: Me, Cades Cove, 2007

I love you all!

Blessings ...

- Melody Faith