My church, Gateway Community Church, celebrated its fourth anniversary yesterday, and in many ways, it was meaningful and was fun. It is a small church, this community that I joined in, but it has big dreams. It dreams of growing big, and it is preparing itself for that growth. There is an air of excited anticipation and a thrill to be part of God’s work among the people – you can sense it. You sense it in the way they worship, you are drawn in by the enthusiasm of the pastor and the leaders, and you are convinced by the way avenues for sharing the word of God are taken, and everybody feels the need to be involved. It is impossible not to be caught up by this eagerness. It is that palpable.
Something about church and church life has always fascinated me. With its sometimes near-impossible situations, and sometimes-difficult people, the church has continued to be an integral part of who we are, and who we are becoming. The church, although presently changing form and expression, has always remained at core of this life journey of faith. This is where we gain sustenance from, this is where we find strength to carry on, and although many doubt it, the church is still one of the places where God’s will is discerned and fulfilled. This is the reason why church, no matter how small, no matter the intrigue and the hassle, matters.
But this young church - so full of life, so full of energy - it does wonder to a tired old soul like me to be part of this vibrant church who wants to do things BIG for the Lord. Once again I am reminded why I have ever gotten into the full-time ministry work. I am taken back to a place in my heart that has sometimes been neglected, and I am made to see once more the gentle beauty of the community of believers that our gracious God loves so much, and it is like being drenched in the rain- refreshing, liberating, renewing.
That's Pastor Sol, our church pastor, and Ate Aida, chairman of our deacons. "Making known the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ," becomes the ultimate value and purpose of the church, and with leaders like these, it will be accomplished.
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