I believe that the church is a family and not an institution. While I understand that a church has business aspects, its primary task is not business minded. The primary task of the church is to fulfill the Great Commission and share the fact that our heavenly Father desires to adopt others into His family.
Given this conviction, this is one of the most difficult and exciting times in my life. Deborah, Danielle and I are soon to move to Groesbeck, TX and become a part of the church family known as First Baptist Groesbeck. We have enjoyed getting to know our new family via social media and look forward to locking arms with other believers in the church and community in order to share God's love with all whom we encounter. This is exciting!
This time, however, is also sad in that we have to say good-bye for now to our church family known as Hickory Grove. The three of us went and had dinner with some dear friends last night. The lady of the house told me to make sure that Danielle did not forget her. This broke my heart and still does this morning. I promised her that Danielle will never forget her and I will live up to my promise. I know that I will see my Hickory Grove family again soon, but it still hurts to part ways.
Why do I take the time to share all of this? Answer, so that we can all look at church as a family. Please, let's not institutionalize church and call it a team. Jesus lived life with His disciples and then used them to start His church. Paul wept with those he served and agonized when he departed from them. We see over and over again leaders in the New Testament praying for and with the church. The church is a family and if you do not have a church family you are missing out.
Hickory Grove family, thank you for loving the Tanners. Your impact is eternal. FBC-Groesbeck, TX, thanks for adopting us into your family. We look forward to serving our Savior with you.
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