The Best People in All the World

I've used that statement.  Seems a bit exclusive, doesn't it?  The boldness of those words establishes a category all it’s own.  Is there really that kind of people worthy enough to carry that title?  Well, I guess it just depends on who you are talking to…  And, that’s precisely the point! 

When I was pastoring a local congregation, it occurred to me then that the kindest, most hospitable and fun-to-be-around people in all the world were those in my church.  The love among that local fellowship was intense, inclusive and consistent.  Since leaving the pastorate and now working among hundreds of churches, the realization that not every atmosphere beams with an overwhelming love and acceptance personally gives reason for a blog like this.  It probably is not a shock to most people, but not everyone in church is kind or even friendly.  That would seem quite odd on the surface; however, the tendency of human nature is to draw inward instead of reaching out.  When a group of people leave right after the dismissal, it’s probably safe to say that there’s not much of a spirit of community among them.

So, what’s the solution?  An environment of “the best people in all the world” has to be created…and, created intentionally.  This has everything to do with the vision that the leader casts along with the life that he/she leads.  And, vision leaks!  What leaders teach regarding their vision of loving people on purpose has to be taught over and over again.  And, what gets taught and practiced repeatedly becomes DNA in the culture of that local church.  Thus, SMALL GROUPS, SMALL GROUPS, SMALL GROUPS!

Charles Spurgeon, the great British pastor and orator, said, “The social element is the genius of Christianity.”  When community is felt within a body of Christ-followers, Christianity is felt there and beyond.  Jesus said that the world would know that we are His followers by our love for one another.

So, go ahead…be bold enough to create such a culture, with God’s help, and enjoy a church filled…with the best people in all the world!