Giant Church, Tiny Brain
I go to a giant church. I love it. Everything is so well done, from the preaching to the music to the scores of available resources. It is extremely well thought out and executed. I feel the spirit there, and I gain something every time I go.
And there are a million people. I know nobody. I’ve become acquainted with a few faces, because as human beings we always sit in the same places. And I didn’t even mean to rhyme that.
But week after week. I’m a small fish in a vast sea. It is such a surreal existence.
But alas, all is not lost! There are plenty of places to plug-in. My biggest challenge is geography. We live 50 miles away, so it’s difficult to get super-involved. But I have joined the worship classes, and My Lovely Wife and Life Partner Lois is in the children’s ministry. But again, it’s just so stinkin’ big.
So I make the most of it. Lois is in the back watching babies, and I’m alone among the vast millions in the gigantic sanctuary. Since no one knows me, there’s a strange sort of freedom.
I may walk up to a greeter and ask him if I can get him anything, but I do it in a British accent. I like to ask the ushers, “So, where are YOU sitting?” And once during the “turn and greet your neighbor” segment, I told the lady next to me, “I thought this was an Amway meeting.“
I figure, “Who’s gonna know?”
Lois has a name tag with the church logo on it. Sometimes I’ll wear her extra name tag and walk around the building holding a clipboard. It looks like I’m in charge of something. I’ll go backstage and into meeting rooms like I know what I’m doing. You meet the most interesting people that way.
I have noticed, however, there’s a lot more security walking around lately.
The jig may be up.
Let me encourage today you to bloom where you’re planted! If you’re new to a group, uncomfortable in social situations, or just hesitant to approach people, don’t be afraid! They’re probably just as insecure as you are.
I know it’s not easy, but you can overcome any fears of rejection with the knowledge you’re beautifully and wonderfully made! You’re formed in God’s image, for relationship with Him and with others. You were made in His creative genius!
So share the love! You’ve got a lot to offer! You just may be somebody’s miracle!
Or just that weird (but harmless) guy at church.