The Good Ole Church BBQ
Sometimes we just need people in our lives.
Yesterday we had the yearly church BBQ. We couldn’t meet at our venue and another couldn’t be arranged due to mis-communication and the last minute issue. We met at a someone’s house. There was food, drink, singing and a team building exercise.
We didn’t plan the team exercise — it happened as a result of someone bringing a really complicated BBQ to build. It was finally assembled and then the rain came. Chaos then ensued, people dived into the house to avoid getting soaked, the newly formed BBQ was now made redundant. Don’t worry, we already had one working so no food was lost. In fact loads of food was eaten and thoroughly enjoyed with cake topping it all off.
We closed the time in prayer, a fitting end to the fun and slight chaos of the day.
I mostly work from home so I tend to spend a majority of my time with my iPad, phone and the same people. These people are my family, whom I love very much but…
As humans we must realise the need to be connected. No family is fully healthy in isolation. We need others.
This is where I believe Church comes in (and the yearly Church social). Church is a place to extend your family and your joy. It is a place of connection, interaction and unity.
Think for a moment about the blood in your body. Without blood flowing through it you would have no life. The Church is often referred to as the body of Christ (Jesus). A body needs blood to thrive. The Church needs people to be full of life. You and I need Church to be a part of our lives to be alive.
Church, over time, becomes an extension of your passion and your joy. In church fun is not only a benefit but necessary. Life can be enjoyed, new ideas formed and relationships developed. Joy becomes the overflow of a group of people getting together, loving God and each other in the midst of every high and low.
Church for me has been a constant joy in my life. I have worshipped with hands high, cried tears of pain and joy, been married, had kids — all within the embrace of Church. Today, as I pastor and lead this great group of people I am more and more convinced of the importance of Church in our lives. I am honoured to witness people’s lives change for the better, teenagers develop into adults and children run around with abandon.
Church is not perfect but being there has consistently improved my life in ways I cannot measure. I’ve learned that showing up matters — because life is short. We don’t get unlimited chances to do this together. Let’s live this life together. Let’s reach people for Jesus and get them into a place of freedom.
Church is more than singing, preaching and cups of tea after the service. Church will transform you into a healthier, freer person. It will connect you to true freedom. Church is the lifeblood of the believer.
Your Church is…
- A place to experience life, to cry and to laugh.
- A place for everyone, the shy, the loud and everyone in between.
- A place where your whole family can find freedom..
- A place where you can relax and be yourself.
- A place you can invite friends and people you love.
👉 Why not invite someone to church this week?
✍️ Andy | Diary of a Church Planter ➡️ More to Explore
📍 Faith Life Preston ➡️ Plan Your Visit
🌐 www.faithlifecentre.com/preston
🔥 Never forget this — Church is Home — Everyone is welcome!
