This Way to Church

"Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where His believers are?"

Martin Luther

The ants were crawling up my legs faster than I could slap them off; thus, the ant dance began. Getting my shoes and socks off as fast as I could became the name of the game. There I was, slamming my shoes against the concrete as hard as I could. All the parents stood in the front yard of a friend’s house, staring at me. Eva and her friends sat a good distance away on the front porch. One of the girls said, “Eva, why is your mom taking off her socks and shoes and whacking them on the ground?” Eva slowly peeked around the porch beam and responded, “I have no idea.” Later she told me, “I sat there thinking to myself, oh, geez, Mom, don’t embarrass me in front of my friends; not right now, please.”

On our way to Sunday service, Charlotte was in the backseat and quickly voiced, “Turn up here, Daddy. This is the way to church.” The Bible tells us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25), but to gather often, especially as we see the last days approaching. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, but Christians are commanded to go to church.

Being part of the flock is where I am corrected by His Word, challenged to continue my walk with Christ, and changed by the washing of the water of the Word. When you are separated from the flock, the enemy can easily pick you off. We need to be surrounded and protected. This is why sheep stay close together and sleep close together. The flock becomes their defense.

Recently we have acquired a sheep. Her name is Ruth. I have written about her a couple of times. She was the runt of the lambs born that year. A friend of mine called and asked if I would take her. Obviously, I said yes and later discussed it with Chuck, wink. We had a large chicken yard that used to be a goat pen near the edge of the woods with shade trees and plenty of grass for her to enjoy. The only concern was how she'd handle being alone. As we have stated, sheep are flock animals. Her bleating lasted only about a day as she introduced herself to the seven chickens that roam the yard. They all became fast friends. Watching her dance around the yard, high-stepping and jumping as she took charge, was adorable.

One evening, coming home from church, I told Chuck to shine the light up the hill. There, under a shade tree, Ruth was nestled snugly, and the chickens were on the low branches all around her—a few resting next to her. Instead of using their perfectly clean and woodchipped henhouse, they preferred to be with Ruth. They had made their own flock of friends. All my concern faded as I watched the unusual bond between the chickens and Ruth. She protects them, and they love her.

This is what happens when we find solace, protection, and belonging inside God’s house. He gives us a flock of friendships woven through unusual circumstances. He appoints a shepherd to lead, guide, and direct us according to God’s word. You'll find comfort in leaving the solitude of your own “hen house” to join the flock God designed just for you. Find your way to church.

I used to wonder if a place like Living Waters Fellowship even existed anymore. I grew up inside its church walls and played under the pews. It was a place of sound preaching, potlucks, and the ease of country roads. I missed watching people greet the Pastor at church dismissal and at Sunday evening Bible studies.

Not long ago, I asked my father how I could ensure my kids see the importance of going to church and showing up. In his gentle demeanor, he responded, “Seems you’re already doing that. Keep putting the pieces in one and a time, and God will make sure it’s a masterpiece.”

Eva came home one evening after Church camp; her face was beaming. She sat down next to me and said, “Mom, guess what? I got saved tonight at camp!” I looked at her, a bit puzzled, and asked, “But I thought you already asked Jesus in your heart at five years old.” She responded, “Well, I didn’t understand then as I do now.” I smiled, “I was wondering about that.” She leaned in and said, “Mom. I could feel it.” My heart was overwhelmed, and tears stung my eyes as I hugged her and replied, “That’s how you know He’s real, Eva. You can feel Him.”

We found our church, our flock, many years ago, the kind of place where church members are family and the pastor waits for us at dismissal. A place where a sweet bucket of strawberries becomes a sweet offer of friendship and a reason to stop by for a living room chat.

Even a child can mark your path. Proximity is everything. Keep putting the pieces in until it’s a beautiful masterpiece.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I will be in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20