Talking over coffee one day, Gordon Wassenaar, director of Midwest Media Managers, told me about a chain across a church parking lot entrance to keep out cars during the week. Hanging from that chain was a sign that read: DO NOT ENTER. Now, in some cases it is necessary to protect property by posting signs. This is true for churches as well as for other public buildings.
As we talked, however, it occurred to us that another kind of DO NOT ENTER sign remain over the premises of many churches even though the chains are taken down on Sunday and the doors are opened. The congregations send out negative, legalistic preaching, or general unfriendliness. The pastor may be a dictator who lords it over the flock of God. Newcomers pick this up very quickly. Feeling lonely, they enter cautiously, hoping they might find something there to fill their emptiness. Surely a person can find acceptance in the Lord’s house. But no one speaks to them. They feel out of place. They leave with their longing hearts unsatisfied.
I hope I’ve exaggerated, but I’m afraid that what I’ve described is all too true in some churches. Oh, there’s no lack of the truth. It is expounded with precision and power. But what a dearth of genuine caring and love!
Lord, forgive me for being a DO NOT ENTER sign in my church. Help me to spot some stranger and warmly show him the WELCOME sign. – Dennis J. De Haan
Reach out, O church! This is the hour
To make your ministry complete!
God waits to furnish you with power
To bring the erring to His feet. – Anon.
A church all wrapped up in itself is a small package.
- June 1, 1986, Our Daily Bread
For You 