Jamie's Column, September 2005

Think back for a moment on why you chose to make this church your church home. When you went "church shopping," so to speak, what made you return to our church? Was it the preaching, the music, the church school and youth programs, or something else?

Last year the Gallup Organization asked a representative sample of church members how satisfied they were with their church life as well as about what factors contribute to a healthy church. They also asked why respondents joined or left particular churches. The results of the study aren't particularly surprising, but they are intriguing. In short, the most satisfied church members in America worship at places where they feel like they belong, where they are valued and appreciated, and where friendship flourishes. A particular church may not measure up to all the ideals of a "perfect church," but in the end people choose a church where they feel welcomed and loved, where people smile and remember their names. One person summarized the overall findings of the survey saying, "We are largely satisfied because ours is a connected congregation. It is a church where friendliness is rightly esteemed as a modern-day form of Christian hospitality and where relationships based on Christian friendship and love are promoted and nurtured."

I say those findings are not surprising because I think we all realize that people are drawn to friendly places. Building connectivity and a sense of community is what Christian ministry is all about. It's foundational to everything else we do as a church. But it's probably good to remind ourselves of that truth from time to time and especially at the beginning of a new church season. So, as we prepare to return to church on Homecoming Sunday, September 11, come prepared to connect with other and share the gift of friendship. And human friendship, remember, is a lot like a relationship with God. In fact, extending friendship, one person at a time, is what Jesus invites us to do. Hope to see you in church on September 11.

In God's peace,

Jamie

P.S. Key Findings of the Gallup study include the following:

Respondents who report they are very satisfied with their current church...

§have a best friend at church (87%)

§attend church weekly (86%)

§report "the spiritual leaders of my congregation seem to care about me" (84%)

§have eaten a meal with people in their congregation in the last year (77%)

What might these findings suggest for you? Bring a good friend to church. Do it regularly. Make friends with your pastor, church staff, and deacons. Come to the progressive dinner we will be holding this fall. Or, if you can't wait for that, simply invite your church friends to a dinner party! Spread friendship all around you. It's good for your church health.