"Something Special" (Weekend Lessons Part 2)

It's amazing what a day could bring. After a great time with "Special Olympians" on Saturday, I go into Sunday with an expectation of hearing God's Word and fellowshipping with other brothers and sisters in the Lord. My family and I attended a church on Sunday that met in an AMC Movie Theatre near my mother-in-laws house. This church caught my attention due to it's big church sign next to the theatre. I thought to myself that having church in a movie theatre was the epitome of literally "going to where the people are." I thought this was a great idea and thus wanted to see how this church accomplished it's goals and how effective their outreach was. I mean think about it; meeting in a theatre where people had a choice of seeing "Shrek" or worshipping the Savior was an innovative and creative idea. When we walked into the building there were signs everywhere as to what theatre number the church was meeting. They had rented out two theatres (#'s 13 and 14). Number 13 was where the children had their worship service and 14 is where the adults met; so far so good. As we entered the theatre, the worship service had already started. The praise and worship was led by a talented worship leader, and was complimented by talented musicians. They had everything from worship video's, to interactive PowerPoint presentations, to video's that were played to enhance the worship as well as the pastor's sermon. The whole experience was tech savvy, innovative and creative enough to grasp the attention of anyone who would participate. Yet, in the midst of all the "lights, camera and action", one major thing was missing- LOVE. In the midst of all the "hoopla", my family and I only received one handshake. You got it, just ONE! I thought to myself, this whole production and rental of a huge movie theatre must have cost this church thousands of dollars; but at the cost of what? I mean, as innovative and creative and tech savvy as this church was, it's not going to grow without genuine love for those who attend; especially towards its visitors! It reminded me of the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 that says, "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophesy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." Wow, Paul hits this on the head! It doesn't matter how great your worship group sounds, or how multi-media awesome a church can be, or how in depth a pastor can preach, it means absolutely nothing if love is not evident and genuine! This is why I thank the Lord for FCOH; one thing that has been evident since our establishment, is we have been a church of love. We are not the "perfect church", but love is definitely a fruit that this church is growing in. It's amazing what a day brings. Here I am on Saturday seeing "church" being done at the Special Olympic games, and yet go to a church that had spent thousands of dollars without a handshake. Is this a big deal? Yes! What if my family and I were not Christians? What if I was a "back slidden" Christian trying to make his way back? I probably wouldn't go back. This is why it is important for all our greeters, ushers, security and guest services ministries should be at the TOP of their game. This is why every teacher, every leader and every pastor should be at the TOP of their game as well. The whole church should be at the TOP of their game, with genuine love for the saints and a welcoming spirit towards those who attend. Can we be that church? I believe we can! Love never fails. This Sunday, please make it a point to have a "welcoming" spirit and a genuine love for ALL who attend, visitor's and member's alike. So that we too won't become a "noisy gong" or a "clanging cymbal." Until Next Time- Pastor Sammy