We had visitors yesterday. I like visitors–Nevada, West Virginia, Texas, our own community…. Our college students were home for fall break. The visitors help make up for the travelers.
It is easy to become bored with the sameness of church week after week. Progress is not always evident. Sometimes it seems we experience the proverbial “two steps forward, one step back”–only in reverse. One of our visitors encouraged me. In the comment he shared, I was reminded of something important that I like about this church. I remembered something of why I am here again–in a second tenure. (And it’s hard to believe that the first of next month will mark a year and a half since we returned, first as interim minister and then in a full-time role.)
The comment that buoyed my spirit was this (I paraphrase): “I like worshiping here. This feels like a youthful church. You look around, and you don’t see young people. In fact, this is a pretty old bunch. But the church acts youthful. There is a spirit and vitality about this church that is different.”
I am reminded of the old chorus, “Never Grow Old.” There is a place where aging will cease. In a wholly spiritual existence, we will no longer experience physical aging. Equally good is the news that we do not have to grow old spiritually and emotionally in this world. We can be renewed daily, despite the outward deterioration (2 Cor. 4:16-18). My 60th birthday is next month. I think I have another 15, possibly 20, good years of service and vitality–vim and vigor. Then I may have to slow down a bit!
This is the spiritual vitality and attitude reflected in Main and Oklahoma. People who come among us notice it; there is something different; worship is vital; spiritual life is special; fellowship is precious. Indeed, we exude youthfulness and hope. We want and expect the best, and are willing to act to make it reality. I have attended churches with a lot more young people that seemed old.
What is the church like where you attend? Is it young or old? How does it feel to visitors and outsiders? I like Main and Oklahoma because we share the youthfulness that comes from the presence of God’s Spirit within us, because this is a place where hope springs eternal!