Isolation in Churches

First of all, I'd like to clarify that I'm not blaming the church for this sensitive topic but just acknowledging that it does happen. It may not be applicable to all churches but I'm guessing it may happen to more than just one church. We as a church are in no means perfect. If we were perfect, we wouldn't need Jesus. Romans 3:23 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' That's where grace comes in.

To start off on a slight tangent:
I've been a committed church-goer for over 20 years having been settled in 3 churches. In my teens, I realised that just because I was an avid church-goer does not equate to knowing Christ; it just probably means you're dedicated to going.

I haven't been to a new church for a while now - probably 4 years when I started uni. This Sunday marked a new church hunt for me once again. The worship music was flawless and the sermon was spot on but if I didn't take the initiative to speak to anyone, I could have easily entered and exited with only 1 person 'speaking' to me - the welcoming usher/greeter.

Maybe my expectations were too high - I thought someone would have invited me out to lunch? I thought someone would come by and say hello and look really interested?

My spirits were slightly dampened on leaving the church. I understand that some people get along with other people better than others. At the same time, my love for the Lord shouldn't be affected as to whether I feel 'at home' at a church. It does help living it out though.

After all, we are still the SAME body of Christ. The love of Christ is as far as east is to the west so should our love for our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we feel that there is a need to love our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe more than we need to show love to those within our own town but that is not true!

We are all the body of Christ - together we amplify and build each other up. Think of the most deprived city - yup, still the body of Christ. Think of the richest city - yup still the body of Christ. But sometimes in our arrogance, we think of ourselves as almost better than each other. We have all been saved by GRACE (not a person you know but a free gift from God that we don't deserve!). Read Philip Yancey's 'What's so amazing about grace?' - a really good read!

I hope this post has been encouraging, although it's challenging.

If you have been a newcomer to the church and have not feel welcomed, I want to apologise on behalf of the church. Please give us another chance.

If you are a fellow church-goer, I challenge you to go forth and make people feel welcome. Say hello, look interested and invite them out for lunch or detour them to someone who can have lunch with them!