Walking In

Man, last night was great, wasn’t it?!  You spent time with people you love and welcomed in a new year and a fresh start.  For a lot of you, your New Year resolutions have already taken effect.  Some have smoked their last cigarette in an effort to quit.  Some have taken their last bite of junk food in an effort to lose weight.  Some have hung out with their kids in an effort to be a better parent. 

Then there are those of you with that one resolution that hasn’t happened yet.  That’s because it couldn’t have; at least not until this weekend.  You are the ones who said you will start going to church.  Whether you’ve been an attendee before or this is your first time going, the next few days tend to get tougher.  You go through feelings of excitement and nervousness.  And when the time finally time finally arrives to go to church, it’s what it will be like walking in that gets to you the most.

There you are.  You’re in your element and comfortable with the way things are.  Well . . . kind of comfortable.  I mean, you already have a feeling beginning to overwhelm you to go to church.  And there’s the church that awaits you.  It’s a group of people gathering to take part in corporate worship in an environment they’re used to.  By your joining them, these two worlds are colliding.  This is the part that can get to you.

I want you to know that I’ve been there several times.  I’ve known I would walk in and out of church without a scratch on me, but whether it’s been a brief sabbatical from a church I grew up in, or beginning at a new one, it’s always tough.  I hope you go through with this particular resolution when the time comes.  These feelings are real, but are barriers that are constantly and prayerfully being broken down.

If you’re in the Central Savannah River Area or an Illinoisans in the Decatur/Forsyth area, I recommend giving TrueNorth Church a try.  I’ve been a part of TrueNorth for over four years, and have loved the way they strive to get rid of the uneasy feelings that exist with stepping back into church.  From parking to outdoors to the lobby to walking in that last set of doors, it is the desire of TrueNorth and its volunteers and staff for you feel welcome.  Find out more and get a taste of TrueNorth Church at their website: http://www.truenorthchurch.com.

Walking in may be a difficult feeling, but I pray you will go through with it.  In many cases, authentic community is waiting for you!

Happy New Year!

If you attend a great church you would like to share for people in your area to visit, please comment with the information.