Church isn't perfect, but it is wonderful

Well, it’s becoming that time of year. School has started and now it is time to get into our fall/winter routines. This means attending school functions, getting ready for the plethora of celebrations, and focusing on going to church. (Did you really think I would leave that out?)

As I was coming into the office this morning I was thinking about how wonderful a church I serve. Not only is the church wonderful, but the community in which it ministers is the best, in my book. And I can tell you why I think this church is so wonderful.

1: They are very forgiving. I make a lot of mistakes, and they help me through.

2: They are very supportive. They have prayed for and supported myself and my family for over 17 years.

3: They welcome everyone, and I mean everyone, to church. If you are a stranger, you won’t be by the end of the service.

These are just a few things I like to brag about at my church. But I also know that the church you go to is also wonderful. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of your pastors and working with many of you who read this column. The Ministerial Alliance is a model of ecumenical comradery. That being said...

When did you last tell someone how wonderful your church is? You know, I had a colleague ask me three questions. Why Christ? Why church? Why your church? I try to answer those questions every day. You see, if we cannot put a positive answer to those three questions, especially the last, then there is a problem with our church.

And churches have problems, that is a fact. Personalities can clash, prejudices can erupt, frustration can supercede the mission, and many issues can arise. Churches are not immune to human frailty, and this is what followers of Christ need to always be ready to fix. Look, even Paul had problems in the church in Corinth. (Don’t believe me, read Corinthians 1 and 2.) There is no perfect church. But there are wonderful ones.

I want to challenge you to make your church even more wonderful than it is right now. Encourage your pastor or pastors in every way you can. Help with bringing people to your church. Offer to take a Sunday to help in the nursery, or mentor your young people. Find a place where you can bring glory to God while serving in your church. Guess what, if you start, it will catch.

My hope is to set our community on fire with the Holy Spirit. To do that we must pray, and lead people to Christ. The church is a major implement in guiding people to a deeper relationship with Christ, so let’s make it absolutely wonderful.

Besides, shouldn’t the church that serves a wonderful God and beautiful Savior be just and wonderful and beautiful as the God they serve. I think so.

Just a thought

Shalom my friends.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.