We are a growing church family. Yay, God!

We have new families, retirees, single parents, widows and those who attend without their spouse. And we have a new crop of kids.

There is so much joy in welcoming the new folks, but growth is also messy.

Everyone comes with expectations, baggage, burdens, fears/anxieties, and hope.

As Chaplain, I work to get to know each of them. What makes them want to attend HERE? What is their experience in churches past? What are their goals? Issues? Needs? Concerns? Hopes? 

But also I want to learn of their education, work experience & spiritual walk to where they are now. What do they BELIEVE? What do they struggle with believing? What can they offer the community here? What gifts, talents & abilities do they want to share?

How can we help them grow?

It is messy. But so rewarding.

We live in a faith community of different kinds of people with various backgrounds and personalities. And yet, we are called to function as one body with Messiah Yeshua as the head of that body.

Some hate to work with others. They don't want to be told what to do. They don't want input or correction. But this is the job of the Chaplain/Pastor and the Church.

We are to: build each other up, use our gifts, share with one another, carry each other's burdens, and speak HOPE to one another as we see the return of Jesus getting closer to reality.

You do that in relationships built in community. 

That doesn't mean that we agree on everything. We have different political views, tastes in food/clothes, various likes/dislikes and our passions are widely different. BUT we agree on the MOST important things: God IS God, Jesus is THE only way to salvation and the Holy Spirit is our guide/comfort/helper. That is enough to bind us together in unity in the midst of our differences.

Jesus IS the center and He unites us. regardless of everything else. HE is our center and with our eyes on Him we have a mission, a goal, a purpose and a family that works together. Even when it is messy, we can do it because it is not about us ---- it's about HIM. That is enough to create community -- a church family --- a foundation upon which we can grow TOGETHER.

Find yourself a community of faith before the hardships come. A place to belong  -- where, as the ditty goes: everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came. 

You need them. They need you, too.

Maranatha. He's coming back. Stay ready!