I don’t love the church because I’m a pastor. Rather, I’m a pastor because I love the church.
When I was 18 years old I experienced the power of the local church for the first time. After walking through the doors I quickly realized that the gathered group of people in that sanctuary were singing to a God I did not know and were speaking of a salvation I did not possess. Over the course of a few months, that group taught me about Jesus, showed me Jesus, and allowed me to fall in love with Jesus. I was soon baptized. I began to serve. And I have loved the church ever since.
Over the course of the past two decades my love for the church has grown as I’ve seen its power time and time again.
Don’t get me wrong – every church has its warts, scars, and ugly moments. Yet, allow me to share a few reasons why I love the church. Especially, the local church. The church in your neighborhood.
1. Christ died for the church. “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).” Enough said.
2. Broken and sinful people are able to participate in the work of God. Through the church God brings about God-sized things. In our weakness God displays his power.
3. Growth happens in community. There will be a day when you need someone to pray for you, support you, encourage you. Your spiritual growth thrives in community. It shrinks in isolation.
4. Pews are filled with diverse people. A healthy church is filled with people from different backgrounds, different social networks, different economic levels. People with different styles, different interests, and different everything. Yet, they’re united by a Savior.
I love the church and I experience its power week in and week out. I’d love to hear your story.
Jeff Gravens 
Pastor Jeff, thank you for the teachings you are bringing to us to allow us to grow in Jesus and to reach out to others in our community.
LikeLike
It is my pleasure!!!
LikeLike