So your probably wondering if I even darkened the doorway of your church? It is very possible. In fact, I used to think I was a church-a-holic when I went on family vacations and still had the desire to GO to church. I can’t help it. It’s very hard for me to stay away. You see I really do believe what Bill Hybels said in his book Courageous Leadership; “that the church is truly the HOPE of the world.” True HOPE is contagious.

I must confess I’m like David who said,

zeal for Your house has consumed me (NAS)

zeal for Your house has eaten me up (NKJV)

Passion for your house burns within me (NLT)

I am on fire with passion for your house (BBE)

My devotion to your Temple burns in me like a fire (GNT)

Yes, when I go to your church my vacation begins. I’m like a kid who just entered Disneyland on a 3 Day Hopper Pass. I can’t help it. No service agendas to double check, no last minute fixes to the platform, no frantic phone calls looking for a fill-in volunteer, I come as a guest, greeted and appreciated, welcomed with a smile and able to worship Jesus without distraction. His Presence, His Peace, is my favorite pastime.

In July, I was able to vacation at two other churches; one on my day off and another while away this last weekend. This is what I experience.

Your Creativity was Contagious: I love your ideas, they are so refreshing. In fact you didn’t know it, but you gave me a solution for an ongoing issue I’m experiencing that I will take home with me. As I look around my heart leaps again, my imagination begins to explore the possibilities and my FAITH expands. You really are the most creative place on earth. After all,  you are the Bride of the Creator, and it shows.

Your Worship WOWed Me: I enter in because I can. I encounter God because that’s my only responsibility, to follow your lead and allow you to bring me there. I’m refreshed because you took time to prepare. Your sensitivity is felt, the Spirit was moving and you facilitated what God was doing. It was such a pleasure to be a part.

Your Word Spoke to Me: It was so cool, I actually took time to fill in the blanks on the notes you provided. As you were speaking God was speaking to me. I was listening to every word, digesting it. I like the angle you took on a very difficult subject. It challenged me. It changed me. I even took time to raise my hand in response. I needed to hear that. By the way I’m using that awesome illustration in my next message.

Your Vision Enlarged Me- Like most vacations, the service went by so quick, but I’m coming away with so much more than what I came with. Your church breathes vision and every breath I took expanded mine. You couldn’t hide it, because it was everywhere. The passion in your people, the divine inspiration in your decor, the excellence that was reflected in your volunteers. Yes, I’m taking home your bulletin, offering envelope and guest card as souvenirs just so I can remember my experience at your church.

My Visit Recharged Me- Thank you pastors for all you do week in and week out to give us wonderful worship experiences. I know the hard work you and your staff invest to make the weekend services unforgettable. You’re doing a fantastic job of keeping Jesus the focal point of your ministry. It’s refreshing, replenishing and life changing. My visit was like a vacation. Thanks again.

Does church drain you or recharge you?