West Ridge Church along with 77 other churches in the Atlanta area are canceling Sunday services the weekend of July 23-25 in order to do community service (something we’ve seen before). It’s called Community Makeover, and it’s an event that creates an opportunity for the church to get outside of their walls and do some good. Much of this idea really puts a smile on my face, but I think a part of it should give us a bit of a kick in the butt.
I really like the unity that this sort of event brings. We are so good at building up our denominational walls that it’s easy to forget we are all serving and proclaiming the same Almighty God. It’s a good reminder that we are all family and that our differences are less important than loving God and loving people.
I love that this is about the church being the church, that they are getting outside of the church walls, rolling up their sleeves and serving. This is a great example of the church being about what they are for and not what they are against. All of these churches should be applauded for these efforts, I pray that they are each blessed as they bless others. I also pray that we pause and let this sting a bit.
Do we need a special event to serve our community? I’m so grateful that they are taking the time and putting such effort into this. I love seeing this sort of thing, but shouldn’t this be a part of our DNA? I hope that this event serves as a great example of what we should be doing on a consistent basis. I hope it energizes each of these churches—and all of us hearing about it—to love our neighbors, to help those that need help. Let’s not allow this to be an event we just check off our list, but a catalyst of Christ flowing through us in the way we serve.
