Being Aware

Small churches tend to be better at welcoming people. Most church folk really are generous people living busy lives, and it takes time to really know someone. Small churches can get "cliquey" too, but it's hard to not be noticed in a congregation of 50.

My membership in in a church of 2500, and it's easy to get lost. I left a couple of years ago and it was several months before my "friends" knew I was gone. I'm back now, and they've taken steps to at least greet people who walk in the door, and the new pastor stands by the door in the 'mall' area and makes himself available to talk.

In the Messianic fellowship I'm helping start, we know one another and watch out for each other, but it's not yet "church", meaning we only see each other every other Friday unless it's in some other association. (hmmm - maybe I need to suggest more interaction!)

I talk to people all the time about getting lost in large churches. Walk in, walk out, leave no footprints. That's why my connections are loose, and why I'm spending Sunday evenings helping revitalize a struggling small church.

I find that in doing, my being comes clearer. James 2:18 is my motivation and the smile of my heavenly daddy is my reward. I don't get that when I just sit.