I once heard someone say they were tired of church because when they went, it seemed that no one was “plugged in.” I’m amazed to say that I have never seen that. Even those who I don’t get along with well are “plugged in” at my church. I am so lucky to be a part of a VERY small church where every member is a part of something. Everyone has friends who they spend time with outside of church who attend the church. Even in a church where there are only about 80 regular members, there are small groups, bible studies, youth activities, and alot of lingering in the foyer after the service making plans about vacation bible school and date nights and play dates. It’s amazing to be in an active church. I love it. It is not always perfect. There are times when there is upheaval and angst and discord but we never leave. Like a good marriage, we stay and work things out and agree to disagree and still interact and live together.
Recently I have visited several other churches. I have been asking questions at these places. Questions to those around me who attend them on a regular basis. I find that they are all feeling like those around them are “not plugged in.” However, the people I have talked to are not involved. Involvement doesn’t necessarily means you are leading the youth group, singing up front or giving the sermon. It might just mean that you have made a conscious effort to become friends with others in the same congregation. It might mean that you are attending something other than the weekly service. It might mean that you are a helper in a department or take up the offering or open the doors in the morning or paint a backdrop or collect items for the kids program or make food for someone who is in need. It can mean any number of things but being plugged in doesn’t mean that you go to church, sit in a pew, listen, sing and then leave. That is not being plugged in. Just because you thought the speaker had something good to say does not mean you are plugged in. Just because you love the band does not mean you are plugged in. I am alarmed at how many people believe this. It amazes me how many people believe they are plugged in when they don’t even say one word (or live one word) of that christian life outside of their church.
So my conclusion is this: make a friend. Just one, who attends the same church as you do on a weekly basis, and see what happens.
image came from the prescott life church.
Life and Photos by Andy 