What Kind of Church Do You Want To Be?

Posted on by Matt Parker

I was not ready for the question when I was asked. In a recent conversation with a member of our church, I was asked this question, “What kind of church do you want to be?” I have thought a lot about that question over the last few weeks, and here’s my response:

  • I want to be a church that seeks the heart of God in all that we say and do!
  • I want to be a church that offers ourselves in worship that pleases God as we bring our absolute best in worship to God.
  • I want to be a church that commits to learning more about who God is and how we grow in our discipleship through faithful obedience.
  • I want to be a church that gathers together regularly in small group settings for mutual accountability, encouragement, and support as we watch over one another in love.
  • I want to be a church where those who attend are active in prayer, reading scripture, fasting, and other means of grace.
  • I want to be a church where those who attend regularly give generously to support the mission and ministries of the church.
  • I want to be a church that is a beacon of hope in our community for those who need refuge and are seeking the face of God.
  • I want to be a church that welcomes those who are struggling with addiction, struggling in relationships with others, searching for financial guidance, or looking for a shoulder to cry on.
  • I want to be a church that ministers to the poor and reminds them they are loved by God.
  • I want to be a church that points people to Jesus and reflects the love and grace of Jesus!

That’s the kind of church I want to be. What kind of church do you want to be? I’d love to hear your responses. You can e-mail them to me or tell me when you see me.

As we pray about how we can be the church and make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus, will you join me during the month of October in praying for our church? Every day at 11:30 AM, I will be praying for you and our church. I’d love to invite you to join me in praying wherever you are at 11:30 AM each day. If you don’t know what to pray, then pray “The Lord’s Prayer” and think about each line in the prayer.

I am excited about what God is doing at Royston First UMC, and I am honored that I get to be your pastor. Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday at 8:45 and 11:00!

Pursuing God together,
Matt

P.S. If you are interested in being part of the church I described above, I would love to talk with you and help you discover your next step at Royston First UMC. We are not perfect, but we are a community of faith who loves God and loves others. If you are exploring your next step, let me know how I can help. Blessings!

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