You Belong

Recently I received a letter from the General Council of the Assemblies of God confirming the recommendation by the WNMD that Hope Springs Christian Church is now officially listed as an A/G church. Along with this letter came a brochure that stated in large font: "You Belong!" Those words reminded me of a conversation that I had with a friend from church after the service; the gist of which was, "thank you for making me feel like I belong." He gave me a "man hug" and fought off tears as he expressed how much he valued my friendship and ministry.

There is always the thought as a pastor that numbers of attenders validate a ministry. While this has an element of truth, the fact is that churches are built by relationships that are nurtured one person at a time. It is not that you cannot nurture quantities of people over a period of time, but for a relationship to grow it must have moments of solitary focus on one person and draw them out of the crowd.

That is what Jesus did when he focused on Zacchaeus and called him out of the crowd (Luke 19). The importance of the story wasn't the stature of Zacchaeus, but rather that Jesus made him feel like he belonged. I want to be friends with you, I want to spend time with you, I am not distracted by others that might seem more important in this world's eyes, and all of these statements do the exact thing. These statements say, "You belong."

Statistically we are told that unless someone feels like they "belong" at a church they will eventually leave. Saying, "You belong," validates and affirms that person. If we can teach the value of individuals as a concept to each person in our church, we will grow.

The most valuable things on earth are not things, but people. What can (anyone) give in exchange for their soul? Of greater value than all this world possesses is a soul. What does it profit a man (or woman) if he/she gains the whole world? When God sent His Son, He sent the Worthy One and in essence told us, "You belong." He chose us in Christ before the world began and surprises us by calling us His children. Let us each reach out in love and make those God brings in our path feel they belong. If you or a family member do not belong to a church, we invite you to come and be a part of Hope Springs. You belong!