Evergreen Church & all of us

 

"Will I be welcome?  Will I sit in the wrong place?"  These are both questions I ask myself when going to a new church. Believe it or not, I am an introvert. I hate walking into new situations--which is exactly where I found myself last Sunday. I had Zach & Shanna's children and took them to their church--where Zach is worship pastor. It's usually not uncomfortable for me because I have Zach & Shanna to sit with. But I was solo Sunday!  I walked in (with very few people knowing me) and at least 5 strangers greeted me before I ever entered the sanctuary. Then as I was seated and the songs began, a woman next to me leaned over and introduced herself to me. She asked me my name and instantly recognized my last name (there are two Dietz's on staff) and told me she loved my family. I settled into the service feeling welcomed, loved, known. 

Isn't that what we all want--and we fear it isn't waiting for us at church?  It also encouraged me to up my game!!  How about you?  We need to welcome each person who walks into our churches. We need to ask people to sit with us...ask questions...get to know our visitors. We need to take guests to lunch!  I can do those things--even as an introvert, which is no excuse. 

If you live in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area, I highly recommend Evergreen Church!!

Let's love our guests--and long-time members--tomorrow!!!

@Evergreen_Tulsa

CHAMPIONS

 

Last night, Jamie Shuck was teaching our youth about how important our reputation is with others. He asked why?  The conversation was great!  As he taught, I began thinking about lots of Bible characters--Daniel, Joseph, Esther, Deborah, and more. Why do we remember them?  Because they were CHAMPIONS!!  They chose to stand alone when it could have cost them everything. Some of them even did it afraid--they just pressed through their fears!  

Out of 107 billion people who've ever lived on earth, we only remember the names of a handful. And why do we remember them?  Because they were fearless. They may have stood alone when everyone else went with the crowd, they may have invented something when everyone said it couldn't be done, they may have stood for "right," they may have led battles, or they may have protected others. 

We need CHAMPIONS more than ever!!  And our kids need to see adults leading and standing more than ever. But I'm praying we have a whole generation of young leaders RISE UP and choose to stand for Christ--even if there's a cost.