Try to walk in their shoes

Last night I visited a couple in our church who haven't been involved in church before visiting us. They've been at Focal Point for about 5 weeks now. They had been damaged by works-based and rules-based churches in the past which turned them off from the value of the local church.

I met them one day during a trip to the Emergency Room. Their daughter was ill but the waiting room was completely full. About 12-14 of our church members were there to support one of our own students who had fallen ill. Our people started conversations with the wife/mother about their little girl and ultimately recommended they go to a local children's hospital for immediate care.

They decided to take that advice and the father/husband went to the front desk and informed the nurse that they'd be leaving he walked back past me toward his family. As he did I handed him an invite card (business card with directions) and said "Hey man, this group of people is here supporting one of our own, I heard you say you were active duty military, maybe our church could be a great support system for you. I encourage you to give us a shot." He politely nodded and off they went.

A few weeks later they came. They have been attending ever since.

As I heard their stories last night and got to understand where they were coming from I thought to myself "I hate it. I hate that they've been turned off to God's love based on people who created rules and became angry if they didn't follow those rules." Rules by the way that ARE NOT biblical.

It's important for those of us who are in the ministry to truly get to know people before passing judgment. Find out what hangups they may have and do your best to inform them without belittling. People have real questions and they want real answers. You don't have an insecure God so don't act insecure when challenged by someone asking questions that force you to think about your faith. Try to walk in their shoes...