Your Spiritual Journey
The Church I Grew Up In
The Church I Grew Up In!
I heard a song recently with that title by a woman named Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Beautiful! The lyrics reflect on the value of the church she grew up in with tear stains on the carpets, of wedding bells and funerals, of the healings that are still in the walls, the prayers that lingered, and the angels who walked the halls. None were perfect but all were there for God’s grace. And it was in this church – she grew up in.
Reflecting on our own congregation – next year will mark 50 years at this building – at our location. For my wife and I, we have been part of this little church for 35 years. We raised our children here, had weddings and funerals, and shared “life” with loved ones. It has fostered our faith and made us stronger in the Lord. Many here now and those who have been part of this church before can say the same things.
For my wife, this is only the second congregation she has ever worshipped with. For her, it can be said, “she grew up here!”
It’s obvious that churches vary in size, shape, demographics, and function. Some churches emphasize one aspect of the church’s purpose over others based on ability, opportunity, and in some cases, location. But the church exists to reach people for Christ and to disciple them to maturity in Christ. These priorities are absolutely essential and should be practiced in harmony by each local church.
Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul offers us these thoughts regarding “the church”.15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
The Church is certainly more than just a building of comfort and safety. It is a place where our spiritual maturity grows, it offers us community, allows for a commitment to our faith, opportunities to serve others in His name, and allows for church growth wherever we are.
I love the church of Christ. It is the church that God established as a part of His plan for us to face the struggles and trials on this world and to grow stronger in faith and in knowledge of the word of God.
And you’re a part of that love.
So let the walls cry out and the angels walk these halls as we lift our prayers up to an almighty God for the struggles and blessings we all face and the lives of those before us who have been part of…. “the church I grew up in!”
Mark
