As the sun was cresting on Sunday morning, I was arriving at Suncrest Christian Church in St. John to preach/teach at their three morning services. It was a great morning for me and I trust that it was for Suncrest Church as well. Here are some of my reflections:
1. It was a true ecumenical experience. When I was in seminary we were encouraged to be ecumenical. It always bothered me because they were pressing toward churches and denominations that were quite liberal, liturgical, and traditional. Suncrest and Faith Churches have differences, but we have far more in common: namely, salvation in Jesus Christ, a high view of the Bible, and vision, passion and care for the hurting.
2. It was strange to preach/teach the same message a total of seven times, four at Faith last weekend and three at Suncrest. It went well, but it felt a little bit less fluid. I’m processing that yet.
3. People are people. Every church has people that remind you of others. There are the great servants, the friendly smiles, the detail person, the kidder, the buster, the sincere questioner, and many more. We are all the body of Christ.
4. Why are they called the St. Louis Cardinals when cardinals are a mean bird? Cubs are always cute and loveable.
5. How proud I was of Faith Church. After the last service at Suncrest, I came back to Faith and was so blessed by Greg’s wonderful comments about Faith Church. He was bragging on the security team, band and singers, quite frankly everyone. Way to go church!
6. How much Suncrest and Faith want to see Jesus lifted up in northwest Indiana and to the ends of the earth!
7. Our hope is to add at least two more churches to the One Prayer group in June 2010.
Do you have any reflections?
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