What should church be like?

Occasionally I hear something that gets me excited about what the church should and can be like. I heard a new song by my friend Kyle Matthews (gratuitous plug: Kyle will be in concert at Trinity Wed. December 10th, and proceeds from the sale of some of his cds will go to support an upcoming Mission Trip to Washington DC). Now, this isn't to say that it hasn't been like this for me. I've always felt welcome at church, and its always such a good feeling to walk into a place that knows me by name, loves me, and accepts me.

But I grew up a preacher's kid. Everybody knew my name, and wanted to see what I was up to...good or bad. Now I'm on staff at at church, and people see me in my various roles at church and know me and often show their love to me, for which I am grateful. However,I recognize that it isn't like that for everybody. I hope it isn't intentional, but it happens: people go unnoticed, people are shunned, and (whether real or perceived) some folks aren't welcomed as openly as others.

So a reminder like this song can serve to challenge us to be the church--as my church's vision statement says: "where all may be saved, healed, strengthened, and equipped to go into the world on active mission for our Lord Jesus Christ."


"You belong here" by Kyle Matthews
This is a dream I have, that there might be a place
Where before I cross the threshhold they recognize my face.
They've been expecting me, the table has been set,
My bed's already made, and they speak to me this way:

(chorus)
You are welcome in this family, you are wanted in this place
You have value to your maker that your past cannot erase.
There is room for all your searching, there is music for your soul.
There are shoulders you can cry on, and the strength to carry on.
You belong here, welcome home

What am I striving for, when this is in my reach?
Could I become the refuge some weary traveler seeks,
And as I let them in, will my life not be changed?
To give the love I long for, to be unafraid to say:

(repeat chorus)

I will throw the door wide open, run to meet you at the gate,
There will be a glad reunion, we have much to celebrate!
You belong here, welcome home.


Thanks be to God for God's grace that always runs to us and longs to give us a big welcome home. Pray that our church does the same for everyone.