Churches are Going to Have to Close Their Doors

Disclaimer: I am about to rant.

So I’m not a very politically oriented person. My bubble is pretty small. I grew up attending Catholic church, so I am familiar with organized religion, somewhat. After moving down to Charlotte, I realized that people are very concerned with what denomination you are as a Christian. In my mind, I’m like “It’s all just God and Jesus and the Bible; what’s the difference?”
Here’s the difference: I happened to glance at a newspaper this week and was caught by the headline saying that a Baptist church in Myers Park had been kicked out of the “Baptist Club” for welcoming gays into their church. HOLD UP, WAIT A MINUTE! It is now a bad thing to invite gays to church? That doesn’t sound like something Jesus would have voted for.
What is the basic difference between myself, or anyone for that matter, and a gay person? The answer is: we don’t usually wear our sin on our sleeve. Maybe we need to start asking individuals at the door at church if they are a sinner. If they say yes, we must promptly tell them they are not welcome.
At that rate, churches would have to start closing their doors. The pastors, greeters, child care workers, and all other human beings would have to be turned away. Anyone that said no, they weren’t a sinner would clearly be lying.
I don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors of church denomination meetings, and at this rate, I don’t want to know. I am so thankful that Southbrook Church is a place where all people, no matter their sin status, can come and be accepted, ministered to, and be shown the love of Christ. Pastor Rob has always made it very clear that we are that type of church, thank God.

I Lay My Pride at Your Feet

Guest blogger- Kelly Spinney
I have been going to Southbrook for a little over a year now and last weekend (10-28-07) was the best weekend I have had at the church. Thanks to my small group and the leadership of Jen, I had many opportunities to help serve. For most of Saturday and Sunday I was at the church doing something to help make the weekend a success. I can not explain how much fun I truly had.
The biggest challenge I faced was when Pastor Paul placed me as one of the greeters that had to be all the way up front encouraging people to sit as close to the stage as possible. If you know me at all, you know that I do not do things that are up front! I believe that I spend most of my time finding ways to help out that require the least amount of public exposure. I am controlled by my fear of people and the way they perceive me. Sadly, I tend to let this fear dictate what I will and will not do. It is easier for me to avoid the situations that invoke my fear instead of facing them head on. I avoid admitting my fear for what it truly is, pride.
So, the last place I wanted to be was the place they put me. I looked at my dad and asked him, “How am I going to do this?” There was my problem… I wasn’t going to do this. I had to give my fear to God and let him strengthen me to do the job ahead. I had to lay my pride at his feet.
By God’s strength I got through the day and ended up having the time of my life! It felt so good to rely on God and serve Him at the same time. I look forward to serving again and leaning on Him to lead me out of my comfort zone one step at a time.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11

Happy Birthday Alison!

My sister Alison is turning 24 on Friday.

I love you, babe!