To The Bridge Community,
I am very encouraged by the spiritual growth in our fellowship! I see members on mission, more people participating in cell family, and more people responding to the good news of Jesus Christ! Gospel in. Gospel out. Thank you all and to God be the Glory!!
As we head deeper into spring and the summer months, I want to remind you why it is important to continue arriving to our church gatherings early. This could also be re-packaged for our cell family gatherings as well.
Four reasons to not be late:
Reason #1 - It has a negative impact on visitors. When a lot of people arrive late it gives visitors more reason to feel uncomfortable and isolated. Additionally, if everyone arrives late (along with many visitors) there are much longer check-in lines to BK.
Reason #2 - It has a negative impact on our relational community. Many of us only see each other once a week, or at best twice a week. Come early and connect with the family! Laugh with one another. Pray for one another. Love on one another. Spend more time with one another!
Reason #3 - It has a negative impact on your ability to worship. The beginning of our celebrations are thoughtfully put together to direct your mind and heart towards God. Frequently being late, or just simply feeling rushed, can hinder your focus on the main thing--worshiping JESUS.
Reason #4 - It has a negative impact on our volunteers. For instance, the worship team has to lead the song while people are scrambling to their seats and talking aloud. The first impressions teams end up missing more and more of the worship time as they filter regulars to their seats (guests are always welcome to arrive late or anytime for that matter). It simply makes planning celebrations hard. If we wanted to start off celebrations with scripture reading and prayer, it is next to impossible if everyone arrives late. Additionally, it makes children's ministry tough as kids filter in late.
I love you all. This is not heavy-handed church discipline. I promise! In fact, every church goes through seasons where people arrive late and every member of a church will be late at some point. But, let's do our best to think through a practical theology of arriving early to church for the glory of God and our joy! Then, do your part to put it into practice!
-pastor ben
For celebrations times visit: http://www.bridgelife360.com
Much of this post was inspired by Joe Thorn's reflections this week.
