St. Frances of Rome - the patron saint of drivers.
I recently sat down with a young man who shared about his decision to quit commuting a great distance to attend a large church. Instead, he and his wife are searching for a local church. I was impressed by his maturity as he acknowledged both what he was leaving behind and what he was gaining.
Personally... I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there are just as many worshippers driving 25+ miles out of my town on Sundays than there are worshipping within. I find something ironic about large commuter-churches that claim to be based on community. Don't get me wrong, I hope large churches succeed in doing what only large churches can do. But, I have come to the point where I no longer hesitate to challenge mature Christians who drive more than 15 miles to worship to consider sticking closer to home. So, here are my...
Top 10 Reasons to Attend at a Local Church:
10. It's environmentally friendly.
9. You are uniquely positioned to help the local church bring hope to your neighborhood.
8. You make it home in time for the football game, and nap.
7. Christian friends you worship with are the ones you want close by.
6. It provides accountability.
5. It accomodates mid-week program participation.
4. Surprise! Community life happens best in... the community.
3. It makes you better aware of local Christian services and ministries.
2. "Greeting time" should not be the first and last time you shake a person's hand.
1. You might be the means by which a local church is able to provide what so many commute to church for.
Bonus: Arrive to church without the need to confess sins committed in road rage.
Marc
I do like the Bonus: no "road rage"
Posted by: Peter | Wednesday, 16 November 2011 at 08:25