When looking for a church home, because we are not perfect mortals, I suggest that you look for qualities that you currently see in yourself, focusing specifically on those that can be improved vs. looking for our standards or expectations to already be in position.

The place I worship at is not what I prefer i.e. COGIC.  This particular group of people are hurt people, yet they love the Lord and believe in the Power of Love and Forgiveness.  What made me visit this minsitry is the invitation extended to me, after I had made an inquiry, while sitting in the barber chair, about any Christian Cafe’s to fellowship at.  Then, I kept going back because the young pastor is, in my opinion, a rarity in the Kingdom.  His teaching style is very unique and it draws you into a spiritual intimate place, that although you are in a crowd you are yet the only one there with the Master.  Selah!  One Sunday, I arrived late and as soon as I stepped foot inside the sanctuary door I was in pure worship mode.  The atmosphere was conducive for who I am and the mind-set I was in before I got there.  This pastor had set the atmosphere, as any “leader” should be doing.  Not necessarily with his voice, but with his presence.  Selah!

Not only was this pleasing,but the mere fact that he is a touchable pastor was encouraging.  He worked the food pantry; drove the church van when needed to; buys Sunday dinner for the congregants – ALL OF THEM; does street outreach etc.  He communicates with individuals as if they are his equal.  I like that a lot!  And, he keeps it so real in his delivery without being worldly.  There is one thing that makes me turn my face, and that is when the leader uses sexual subliminal messages and people who “gets it” thinks it’s funny, laughs at it, and then say AMEN!  Or when a leader’s language is so carnal minded and not spiritual or revelation minded.  This young pastor, named Pastor A. Wendell Brown, Jr., is both of the latter (spiritual and revelation minded).  Another thing that I truly like is this: he doesn’t BEG people to give.  This is when people GIVE happily, which makes it joyful!

Know this though:  you don’t have to bind yourself to ANY MAN’S ideology or theology.  What I tell those I counsel with is that if it doesn’t line up with the “revealed word and knowledge of God, it is a lie and the truth isn’t in it.”  With that, they are now on their own to do the right thing.  Selah!

Sometimes, just sometimes, we will pursue a great congregation that may not exist amongst us as a whole.  While it is true that the whole congregation is greater than the sum of its parts (each individual), it is also true that the parts are only total in its portion of the body and cannot justify the whole of the matter.  I see it like a puzzle.  Every piece of the puzzle is a complete piece and is significant in identifying its proper place in the whole of the puzzle.  If one piece is missing, the entire puzzle is incomplete. Therefore, although the part is powerful in its element, the whole of the puzzle is greater than a part that is only complete in part.  You may have a very difficult time locating a body of people that is WHOLE i.e. sum total complete together vs. individually whole.

I was reminded of something when I heard this statement, “I’m looking for a congregation that shares a sense of brotherhood and compassion for their fellow man.”  About two weeks ago, I was at my associate’s office and one of her clients came in, in much physical pain.  My associate is a Christian woman who runs a non-profit organization that serves men and women who are recovering addicts. Well, this recovering client had shared in private that she needed a bed and my associate came and asked me if I knew of someone who had a bed.

My first response, within mysef, was, “WHAT?  Don’t you have a bed?”  Then, I asked the young lady what was she sleeping on, and she replied that she was sleeping on a twin size mattress on the floor and that she was getting ready to have surgery and needed a bed.  I then told her to get some help and come to my home and get my bed.  They both stood in shock and speechless then asked what I was going to sleep on.  I told them that I will take her place and sleep on the floor (air mattress).

To mention, I didn’t only give her my bed, but she got the entire bedroom set.  The best wood framed product you can purchase.  I had only had it for 6-years and it still looked brand-new.  All that to say this:  I wasn’t going to give her or offer her anything less than what I would have for myself.  Now, I have a bad back from a 19-year old injury so sleeping on the floor or air mattress was not conducive for my back health.  However, I was compelled to exchange positions so that this young lady (who is working very diligently to get her life together) can have better than a mattress on the floor.  I didn’t know this woman other than she was someone who needed something that I had.

Now, this is the spirit of brotherhood and compassion in a church home (congregation); a family that you will not want to forsake assembling with because they don’t have all the pieces to the puzzle as you want them to have.  Selah!

© March 10, 2009 Angela M. Smith