I recently had a conversation with some of our Celebrate Recovery leaders that made me think about something that is very fundamental about our church - it's not a place for perfect people!
Over the years I've had conversations with people who come to our church that go something like this: "Dave, did you know we have someone in our church that is (fill in the blank with some huge sin)?" Or something like this: "Dave, did you know that we have someone that is (fill in the blank with an even bigger sin) who wants to volunteer on one of our teams?" The shock that is registering in their voice is enough to get my attention.
But I'm pretty sure my answer gets their attention too: "Great! I'm glad they're here! They're exactly the kind of people we want at New Horizon!" We're not a church for perfect people and I'm proud of the fact that we attract people who have HUGE problems in their lives. After all, we ALL have a huge problem - it's called sin, and sometimes I feel like I'm the biggest sinner of all. But because of his grace God doesn't view me that way. He has a plan to take us from where we are to where he wants us to be.
New Horizon has always been and will always be a church where imperfect people can come and belong so they can become. We reach out to the unreachable; take care of the hard to care for; restore the broken. We draw them into the community of the church and accept them where they are because it's acceptance that opens the door to influence.
I love the fact that we're a church for imperfect people because I think it reflects the heart of Jesus: “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31,32
I'm proud that we're a hospital for hurting people instead of a country club for Christians!
Yes, I’d like to apply. I’m a screwed up divorce who grew I up in a screwed up family and I’ve had a screwed up life. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and lived a perfect life which he gave for me and rose from the dead. I’d like to apply for membership please. I think I qualify. Can I have the job?
Posted by: David Soper | July 28, 2009 at 05:50 PM