“You’re serious. You really looked us up through the yellow page of the phone book?”
Its true. The church I was looking for had to be non-denominational, fundamental, and evangelical. So I let my fingers do the walking.
The time had come to provide for our son what my folks had made available to me. Church.
It was a tall order for the small church I settled on. My husband and I preferred not to be aligned with a denomination. Only we kinda were and didn’t realize it. Much later I learned it was a Plymouth Brethren church. I wasn’t attuned to various religions, and because it was located in the town of Plymouth, I thought nothing of it.
Our attendance met a need…at first. Our minister was a knowledgeable godly man called to many speaking engagements. He traveled a lot, and favored teaching from the Old Testament mapping the travels of various people. Interesting, but nothing to take home, think on, or apply to our daily life. Spiritually, it was lacking.
I became aware how a congregation lives reflects their spiritual life. When given the opportunity for expansion, the offered land to build on was shot down. So no growth.
Our little church jumped on the popular band wagon to sponsor a Vietnamese family in coming to the US. A home was obtained and made ready for their arrival. But no one seemed interested in providing food or befriending these folks once they arrived. What’s going on here?
One morning our minister expressed his dislike of men who had long hair. This was the era of the seventies when that was the fad. He referred to them as ‘shims.’
Finally the elders of the church suggested he leave to find other employment.
In time a Canadian was selected to lead us. This new man of God opened scripture like we had never known. We were introduced to biblical people to identify with and learn from, be they good or bad examples. He suggested creative ways to show the community our love of God. But it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Our disillusionment grew.
When we moved out of state we set out church shopping. This time we were a little wiser and more selective to find sound teaching. The one we settled on has gone through numerous changes that a church shouldn’t have to experience. But then, why not? We are in the real world where stuff happens.
The COVID19 pandemic has brought on yet more changes. Through the years I’ve learned organization, or disorganization, is a choice. But Truth never changes, it’s who I represent that speaks volumes to those around me.
© jb katke
One Day Wonders with JBK 