A few weeks ago I wrote about " What was the one thing you wanted people to think about your church?" This week my wish was granted. We got a call from a dear elderly ladies family that I've known her and her family almost 20 years. Her name is Fannie Lou Hickman. ( her name rocks! oldschool) Fannie lou has attended Restoration church a few times with her family, but remains faithful to the church her late husband attended for years.
Fannie lou is in her golden years (late 70s) with decreasing health and let us know thru the family that she wished for me to participate in the ceremony after the Lord calls her home. HUGE HONOR! Plus I really like fannie lou.( I can't even say her name without smiling) She is a card!
The one thing she wanted us to know, was that we were the SAME every time we saw her. That we greeted her with joyfull kindness each time we would cross each others path, EVEN AFTER it was clear that she would still be attending her old church ( that was more her style) and not get our feelings hurt and that she loved us and prays for us.
Too often I've heard horror stories of Christians who would leave thier present church in their city to follow Gods leading (to another church) and find staff pastors and congregation (of their old church) treat them like outcast and black sheeps. This has been a pet peeve since long before I became involved in ministry. I saw my family experience this several times thru my life, and it shaped my perspective on "what have you done for me lately pastors." It was as though the people where instructed verbally or by example to discontinue relationships with friends and even family members if they chose to no longer attend the church of "the annointed one."
The last time I checked the Bible says the sheep are His and He calls under-sheperds to keep eye on his flock (protect not rule over) and care for and feed. What a honor and obligation! The Bible says we as sheperds will be held accountable for the way we treat his sheep. (oh boy! that is going to be an interesting day. BCS tickets won't hold a candle to that day.)
Do people ever leave Restoration church? Absolutely, sometimes I've wanted to leave for "greener pastures" where all I have to do is eat and someone else takes care of the Ranch. lol. We are a 3 year old church and sometimes it shows. Its okay to act your age and be who you are. We don't have it all together ( all the time). But are best days are ahead!
We know we are not the best fit for everyone, but we bless and still love those who may be fed for a time, be restored and healed and eventually leave. We don't always understand or get the full story and yes it hurts and Nicole and I take it personal at times. BUTT, We still go out to eat and play golf with our friends that leave Restoration because we know its about the Kingdom, not our kingdom. In the end my #1 desire for people to know and believe about Restoration Church ,( its staff and its people.) Is that we are real, the same each time you see us, and won't treat you like trash if you ever decide to go to another church. We will even welcome you back without treating you like a r-d h--d-d st-p ch-ld.. lol
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