At Home in the Community of Faith

When I was a child, the church was a place where I was welcomed, accepted, affirmed, and encouraged. I didn't know the inner workings of an institution; I knew only the heart and character of a people of faith. It was in that place that I first learned a sense of community, where I truly felt I belonged. Since then, I have experienced some of the other aspects of that community as I learned that we don't put aside our own character when we enter the church.

We bring everything about us wherever we go, so why should the church be different? What can be different about being a part of the Body of Christ is that it is here where we most consciously commit to learning and growing as disciples, followers of Jesus, children of God. The church ought to remind us of what we can become through the grace of God. When we realize that, here and now, we are God's children, we can open ourselves to what we might ultimately become. It is an amazing journey of trust and hope that we don't need to undertake alone. The true heart and character of a people of faith will always be one that welcomes, accepts, affirms, and encourages. Despite its weaknesses, the community of faith is still my home.