Skip to main content

A question about your church...


This last few days I have been in the State of Kentucky. I came here with my wife, whose father was having medical tests as of the results of a probable heart attack. He seems to be doing well (as of tonight) and is scheduled for one more test, then hopefully he will be released and further treatments to bring him to health.

While this is a scary moment for my wife's family it has also been a time to step away from the daily work and observe others around us. Since Debra's father is a pastor (Church of God of Prophecy, Central City, KY) there have been visits from the State Presiding Bishop, Scott Gillum, area pastors and of course some of his church members. It is heartening to watch the love and concern that is show by those visiting.

There has also been quite a few of Debra's extended family here, along with her younger brother and his family. I've watch the nurses and technicians at the Owensboro Medical Center demonstrate concern and what seems to be good care for his condition, also being mindful of the family's needs and ready to answer any of their questions. Another surprise came when an agent from the Kentucky State Inspector General interviewed the family and my father-in-law asking about his treatment and inquired as to his knowledge of patient's rights. This was a standard inspection, but this time I was allowed to observe and listen. Even the agent fromt he State of Kentucky seems so compassionate are caring.

When we returned to my father-in-law's home (he lives some 40 or so miles from the hospital) to spend the night, we found a note on the door that a nice evening meal had been prepared and was waiting for us next door. Everything was great, and I felt so appreciative of the thoughtfulness of the church members.

Having said everything above, I want to share something that a family member said when talking about his local independent church. Again, NOT a local congregation of the Church of God of Prophecy. He was inquiring about our church, about its structure, about its ministry and just what we have to offer when he said something I had to write down because I wanted to share it with you.

When speaking about his struggles as a young man caught between generations of a local church he said, "THE DOORS OF MY CHURCH ARE CLOSED EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OPEN."

I literally sat straight up in the chair and said, "what? Say that again." He repeated it and I quickly saved it into my iPhone so I could share it. If was like a lightning bolt out of heaven, and to be honest with you, I don't think he had time to think it up. I believe that in a moment of time he shared his heart....raw, right out there in front of everyone.

As I write this, it is late at night and my reflections over the past few days rushed by, and that moment early in the day when the Holy Spirit spoke through a bright young believer, a young man of twenty one...a man who loves the Lord with his whole heart...'THE DOORS OF MY CHURCH ARE CLOSED EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OPEN."

Friends, I don't have the space to write what is rushing through my mind...through my thoughts about our churches. Are the DOORS OF OUR CHURCH CLOSED EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OPEN?" Are we warm, inviting and loving to those around us? Now remember, this wasn't from an outsider visiting his church....but from a young man who is very active. He looks around and sees how people are treated...he watches the treatment of visitors and church members alike. ARE THE DOORS OPEN OR CLOSED?

It really doesn't matter whether the worship service comes from a hymnal or sung off the wall...it doesn't matter if the church has stackable chairs or pews...it doesn't matter how educated or organized a church is...what matters is just what this young man said today. He has observed that the DOORS of his church ARE CLOSED EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OPEN.

Beautiful sanctuaries, well-manicured lawns, trained and articulate staff, talented musicians....none of it matters if we have emotionally and spiritually closed the doors to people. Yes, you can have church services multiple times each week but if the DOORS ARE CLOSED EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OPEN, we have failed.

What I have observed in the past few days, how these people have treated my father-in-law and his family has strengthened my heart...it has warmed my soul...it has reminded me once again that people really don't care how much you KNOW until they know how much you CARE.

I pray the Lord will cause us all to sit up and pay attention to how we are treating one another and how we are treating those He sends to our churches. I pray they will NEVER find closed doors...only open and loving arms.

Comments

I believe what this young man has said is so true. You know God keeps on sending us round pegs and we keep on trying to cram them into square holes. The doors might as well be shut and locked if we're not going treat others as Jesus commanded us to.
Wonderful observation and testimony, thanks for sharing.
Wonderful observation and testimony, thanks for sharing
Unknown said…
Bishop that is a powerful thought. You and I know this to be a sad truth that there are many congregations that their doors appear to be open, but in reality they are CLOSED. Thanks for this thought.
Grammyof13 said…
Greetings from Arkansas. Brother that is a Word from the Lord as it is still penatrating hearts. It did mine. God help us if we fit into this catagory.

Doris Thompson

Popular posts from this blog

From Hate to Faith

The Church Of God Of Prophecy at Oliver Springs would like to invite you to come and listen to Jim Tull, a former leader of the Aryan Brotherhood - a secret society that espouses hatred of minorities and is also associated with a motorcycle gang known for its cruelty and criminal activities. Jim Tull has a message that will hit home to everyone from the youth to your grandmother. His testimony includes how he "violated all 10 commandments" and how he taught hatred and violence. WHEN: Saturday, March 10th at 6:00 P.M. WHERE: The Church of God of Prophecy, Oliver Springs. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL ROY MASSENGALE AT 435-5800. PLEASE ANNOUNCE AND POST THE ATTACHED FLYER. Thank you and God bless.

Dr. David Horton

Lee University News Article: Dr. David Horton Dies Suddenly on Choir Tour: Funeral is Saturday Funeral services for Dr. David Horton have been scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at the North Cleveland Church of God. The family will receive visitors Friday at Rush Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Dr. David Horton, a veteran member of the Lee University music faculty, died suddenly Monday evening following an apparent heart attack. Horton was in Nassau, Bahamas, on the first day of a post-commencement ministry tour with Campus Choir when he was stricken. His wife Virginia was with him as they returned to their hotel following dinner when he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to a hospital. "We are all stunned and deeply saddened by this unexpected loss," said president Dr. Paul Conn. "There are few people who have ever made such a huge impact on the life of Lee University as Dr. Horton has made. He and his wife Virginia have poured themselves into the lives of so many s

Come Down From That Ivory Tower

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He