What Would You Think If I Told You....
By ErrollLeVant
@ErrollLeVant (4353)
United States
October 5, 2011 3:43pm CST
I was sitting here preparing for a lesson from Acts 2 about how the early church was very involved in fellowship, "daily and house to house." I had a thought that made me wonder what it says about the place where I have preached for over twenty years. I decided that finding out from the myLot crowd might be interesting. What would you think to find out that there are two of our seven elders in whose homes I have never set foot?
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5 responses
@stacysmomstl (397)
• United States
5 Oct 11
Question, so did they go house to house because they were Gentiles and didn't have a "place" of worship like the Jews? Or was this in addition to going to their organized meeting. That would make a difference to me whether you should get out to your elder's house soon or not.
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@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
5 Oct 11
The Christians described in Acts 2 were Jewish, and continued to have assemblies in the Temple for a while, but they also met in private frequently.
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@stacysmomstl (397)
• United States
6 Oct 11
Well then I guess that means you have to get an invite to those other homes for fellowship and worship.
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@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
7 Oct 11
I think, stacysmom, that I will just stop by in the very near future. But I think it will make for a pointed illustration for the congregation to consider how we relate to each other.
@ClassyLady1 (109)
• United States
7 Oct 11
As a Christian woman, I would be inclined to ask of you: "Why haven't you not been in the homes of these elders in your church?" and follow that with: "Do you feel as the pastor that you have to wait for an invitation?"
Here in Texas, we are a 'drop by and visit' sort of folk, so naturally, I would think, 'What is the problem here with this pastor?'
Please take the initiative and visit with these elders, you will probably come away with a better feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.
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@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
7 Oct 11
believe it or not, ClassyLady, I too am in Texas so I completely understand the "drop on by," mentality. And there is not barrier between the guys and myself, we have traveled together, go to ball games together, and such. That is why when I thought of the fact that I had never been in their homes, it surprised me and moved me to post the question here to see what others from outside might say.
@ClassyLady1 (109)
• United States
9 Oct 11
OK! Well and good. So, since you understand the 'drop on by' mentality, go on and "Just do it!"
Thanks for the quick reply.
Where in Texas are you?
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@ladygator (3465)
• United States
6 Oct 11
I guess being asked the question I would wonder why you havent. I would wonder if you just have not felt moved by God by it being placed on your heart to visit. I would also wonder why was the reason that you did visit the others and what was your criteria for doing the visiting,. As I have not been visited by my preachers ever. It always made me feel as if there was something wrong with me. That I was never thought of outside of being right before then in the church pews.
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@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
6 Oct 11
There is a lot to chew on in your response, ladygator! I know of no "reason" why I have not been in their homes, no animosity or tension exists between any of us that I know of. And the others, I have been invited to each of their homes, but at least three of them I drop by from time to time.
As to the last part of your comment, I think that is part of the reason I posed the question. I am pretty gregarious, and have been in many homes of our members, but as we have grown, there are more and more to whom I have never paid a visit. I truly hope your feeling does not permeate those members, but I imagine it is felt by at least some of them. My challenge Sunday will be for all of us to do better, beginning with me!
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@ladygator (3465)
• United States
6 Oct 11
Thats just the thing that I would expect to hear from a man of God. He will always urge us to be the change we wish to see in the world. I also liked the fact that you consulted with others on this matter it shows that you care about people and dont see yourself as above others when it comes to finding out whats on their hearts.
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@gelayagui98 (1336)
• Australia
20 Oct 11
Because of popular notion that all services rendered to God are acceptable to Him, it is no longer surprising that a lot of people today are not meticulous about what church or religion they join or affiliate themselves with. What many people think nowadays is that as long as they are serving God regardless of the Lord and they conduct it, they are deemed worthy before the Lord and their relationship with Him is secured. That is why in choosing which church to join, most of them usually pick out the one whose way of serving suits their taste or is convenient to them, for what matters to them anyway is that they are allotting some of their time and efforts for religious activities and for their spiritual welfare. They are optimistic and hopeful that God will be pleased with their worship and service and this will entitle them to receive His promised reward.
@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
20 Oct 11
I certainly agree with you assessment, but it is not the practice I condone or follow.
@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
5 Oct 11
I have never been invited, but of course, I could initiate the visit as well. And yes, I have been in the other homes, some many times. And all the elders and their wives have been in our home repeatedly.
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