It is fashionable these days to say things like, “I love Jesus, but I don’t want to be in the Church.” Some pastors have even pointed out their embarrassment with “American Christianity,” whatever that term means. I, however, profoundly disagree. I express my love for Jesus by loving His Church, and I find His church profoundly loveable.
I am aware of the sorrows that some believers have inflicted on others. I am aware of the great evils committed in Christ’s name. I am aware of abuses done by Church people, often with the knowledge of people who should have stopped it. I am also aware of the profound good done by the Church. When I look at all the data, I believe that there is much more good than bad among God’s people.
Every Sunday my daughter, Ainsley, and I arrive for our gathering time before Sunday school. Every Sunday, Ainsley looks for a particular member of our church, David Rodwell and gives him a big hug. We are not sure why Ainsley loves David so much. We just know she does. David loves her, too. He greets her with a big smile, a hug, and sometimes snacks.
Ainsley has chosen her friend well. David is a good man with a big heart. He loves God, his family, his church, and his community. He attends worship regularly. He gives of himself to our church and to the world around him. David is part of our Baptist Men’s group. This group of men has helped those in need in our community for years. At last count, they have built over seventy ramps for people who have difficulty getting in and out of their homes and have participated in numerous disaster relief trips.
Of course, there are others in our church who Ainsley loves just as much and who love her in return. There are what I like to call her “unofficial grandmothers” who love to see her in their Sunday school class, even if she interrupts a little. There are young adults who love to watch her squeal with delight when it is time to come back from the nursery to the sanctuary at the close of worship. My daughter is beloved at my church.
I know something else, too. My church loves all children. It is not the case that there is love for only Ainsley. Our church has loved and continues to love all kinds of children. It is in our DNA. When children are there, they are treated with love and grace.
Children are not always easy. Sometimes they cry. They can get in the way. They need special attention and help. Sometimes they say things that make their parents cringe. They can misbehave. They require extra effort. Because of the effort required, how a group of people treats children says a lot about them. For those who would follow Jesus, the treatment of children is vital. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (NLT) The treatment of children in the Church is a Gospel issue.
One of the many reasons I love my church is the way it treats children, including my children.
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