Isaac Hunter 2 Beach baptisms were awesome-- really, the whole event was super. I decided that the “sharing/testimony time” (call it "whatever"--there is no good name for it) was good, too. Earlier this week, I was thinking about chucking that portion. Do you know why? Because it makes me nervous--that is why. There is nothing quite like the, “Here is a microphone... anyone want to tell 1,000 people what God is doing/has done in your life” moment outside of church world. You would never go to a large gathering of any other kind and expect to hear, “Welcome to this large gathering of people with whom you share varying levels of intimacy--from complete stranger to husband and wife. We’ve reserved a few minutes to let those who want to say _anything_ about _anything_ (so long as it deeply personal) to come forward and speak.” Though it makes me sweat, and we may alter it in some form next time, it is good. We'll keep having it and not just because there are so many great stories told well-- there are; not just because there are many great stories told poorly--there are. But, we will keep it precisely because it makes us nervous. Here is the truth: some people are a little crazy, have poor social skills, and say odd things--they matter to God just as much as anyone else. Let's not forget that every one of us can fit into those categories on any given day. We will keep it because it is another reminder that the church is not the place you get in if you fit in. The church is the family that is dependent solely on God’s grace for entry, and there isn’t one person who doesn’t need that. When someone comes up and says something that makes me sweat because it is a little batty-- so be it. That is what God’s grace and His family is all about. His grace is big enough to include me; it’s got to be big enough to include everyone else. So, if someone gets up and tells a story about her dog barking out the church service times, and that’s why she’s here… well, she may be a little crazy (or she may have a really cool dog). She is still loved by God. If some guy uses it as an opportunity to let the ladies know he is available... well, that’s weird, too. He is still loved by God. Those people ought to be loved by us, too. Here’s to testimonies! Anyone want to share anything about that? 2009-04-29T14:25:47-04:00 208 Testimony Time... 2009-04-29T14:08:00-04:00 2009-04-29T14:25:47-04:00