It has been a long time since I’ve done a “cross”-examination. Please don’t take that to mean we’ve quit going to church. We haven’t. We just haven’t been visiting new churches every week. Rather, I have a little “love story” to share with you…
We knew that breaking up with our dear Prairie Creek would be hard on us, and we needed time to heal. So we had decided to date around a bit before settling down. You know, kind of “play the field” and see what’s out there. We had been in an exclusive, committed relationship for so long we knew it would be hard to re-enter the dating scene, and of course we didn’t want to rush into a rebound church. So we felt it would be best if we really took our time, had some opportunity for some “no-strings-attached” dating…even a little “status dating.” Between November and January, we went on several first dates, but spent some quality time with Cottonwood Creek over the Christmas season. We realized that although it was a great church, we were not meant to be together and so we parted ways with no hard feelings.
In the beginning of January we went on our first date with McKinney Fellowship Bible Church, and we really expected it to be just that: a first date and nothing more. But there was undeniably a connection there. Still, being relatively fresh from the breakup, we were a little scared, a little unsure of getting serious too quickly. Through too many “God-incidences”, we felt as though this relationship was not only being confirmed, but blessed. After our second visit, we still sensed that connection and a longing to get to know each other better, so we decided to continue to date until Easter and then have a heart-to-heart to re-evaluate our relationship and our future together.
It wasn’t long until our relationship became more than just “dating.” We’ve been going steady now for a few weeks, and although we’re still in the very beginning phases, the talk of serious commitment has already come up. The question now isn’t “Is this the right place for us?” but rather, “Why are we waiting until Easter?”
I realize we’re still in the honeymoon stage of our relationship, but I have to confess that the more time we spend together and the more we get to know this church, the more we love it. McFBC is certainly different from what we’re used to, both in style and form, but there’s been nothing to tell us to move on. We are cautiously starting to explore what life together might be like:
Life Group – this was our first step toward a deeper commitment. In lieu of Sunday School, members (and long-time guests like us) are placed into small Life Groups which meet weekly. We were placed into a small Life Group – 4 couples – but have felt welcomed and loved from the very beginning. The other 3 couples are all die-hard motorcyclists, members of C.M.A. (the Christian Motorcyclist Association or something like that) with amazing testimonies, and God is using them mightily to evangelize the biker community. We have been fascinated with getting to know these precious people!
Women’s Bible Study – this was my introduction to the women’s ministries of the church. The first night I walked into class, I was greeted with at least 4 other women whose names were all variants of mine: Deb, Debbie, Debra… Talk about “God-incidence!” The study we are working through is Beth Moore’s “A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place”…which follows exactly the study I did in the fall on the Patriarchs…do you sense another “God-incidence” here?? Following the video, we breakout into small discussion groups…and I was absolutely amazed by my discussion group. These women, as diverse as you could imagine, with real hurts and deep emotional and spiritual needs…but all with a passion to know God more deeply and be engaged with His word in everyday life. I was humbled and awed and refreshed…and so grateful to be a part of such a tremendous group of gals. Wednesday night has become the highlight of my week!
Band of Brothers – Matt has started to become involved with a small men’s group on Tuesday nights. Currently they’re studying the book Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. The week he started, they were studying Philip. Hmm…another “God-incidence”?? (the description of Philip could have been written about my husband) He is enjoying getting to know the guys, and when the next round of Life Groups start up following Easter, we may switch to this one, just to have connections with our children.
Newcomer’s Dinner: We had the privilege of being included in the most recent Newcomer’s Dinner last Friday night. While the meal was terrific, and the fellowship was fun, the best part was the time where Bruce shared his heart with us. As he shared a little of his vision and plan for the next 18 months, Matt and I just absorbed it all, our hearts beating excitedly in anticipation of what is to come. We were ready to jump in with both feet after that time!
Curriculum: This is the real wowzer. Currently, Bruce is teaching a series called “24: The Hours that Changed the World.” We are studying hour-by-hour the last day of Christ’s life. We weren’t there for the first sermon in the series, but we’ve been actively involved in the rest of the series. Let me tell you something: it is absolutely amazing what this staff has done – and apparently does for every series. They have written a comprehensive study guide – an absolutely amazing study guide at that – to use for personal daily devotions. On Sundays, Bruce preaches a sermon to introduce the topic/study for the week. In Life Groups, we have discussion questions generated from Sunday’s sermon to allow us to go deeper into the topic. Then, during the week, our study guide takes us through a personal journey of discovery on the same topic. The process has been amazing, and the quality of the teaching, discussion questions, and study guide is top-notch. Of course, this is not for the faint of heart, or half-hearted Christians. This level of discipleship takes commitment and time, but the rewards have been so well worth it already.
And the list goes on…the upcoming Men’s Retreat and Ladies’ Spring Luncheon, the New Believer’s class that Crisana was a part of, the Worship and Arts Ministry…there is just so much we love about this church. To be surrounded on all sides each Sunday morning with people – men and women – who are actively engaged in worship, not just singing songs or standing around. To be challenged – deeply – each Sunday morning with teaching that is relevant, convicting, and applicable to daily life. To take prayer seriously – and witness the power of intercession in the lives of others.
Sure, we’re waiting until Easter to become formally hitched. But by now, you probably know it’s coming. I’d say we’re more than “going steady.” I’d say at this point, we’re ENGAGED…perhaps even betrothed.
Being in love is such a wonderful thing!