Glory. It’s a word that we don’t use a lot, and yet it is often used in the hymns we sing. The Bible uses it to describe the aura surrounding God. When Moses went to the top of Mt. Sinai, Exodus says the Glory of the Lord seemed like a consuming Fire to the Israelites, which I think represents Power and Majesty. The New Testament talks quite a bit about Jesus returning- in His Glory, which again is a reference to His Power and Majesty. The word appears in the Bible nearly 300 times. 

We may sing Glory to his name during our church services, but even in the services I lead, it often seems like it is more routine than glorious. 

 

Last Saturday evening we tried an experiment that I envisioned could be either tremendous, or disastrous. Our church has always been open to help new beginning church groups. Currently, there are 2 such groups using our facilities. A few years ago, a young pastor from Nigeria wanted to reach folks in this region, but needed a place to begin.  He meets with his church body at 3:00 on Sundays after our morning worship has cleared out. A few months ago a Hispanic pastor was looking for a place to begin. His group meets at 7:00 on Sunday evenings. 

We really do not have enough space to do this. Our building is small, old, and inadequate even for our own group. Having 3 groups meeting, each with their own set of needs, equipment and time, creates some unique issues and sometimes seems “odd”. There are 3 different denominational backgrounds. The language barrier alone challenges us at times.

 

But we planned a JOINT Worship event last Saturday evening. 30 minute time frame for each church, including 3 preachers, 2 of which like to speak for an hour! Music from all 3. Translators. Fellowship meal afterwards, which meant rearranging the “sanctuary” into a dining room! 

 

The word that comes to mind to describe the Presence, Attitude, and smiles that were on every face ? Glory. The old song said “Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.” 

With all the struggle, frustration, and difficulty that comes from having the challenge of 3 churches using one building, it was fantastic to experience again His Glory. I believe the Lord was pleased. I know I was. 

 

Perhaps one way a church might reach out and expand it’s footprint might be to try something like this. It is a chance to serve, and it might bring Glory! 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his GLORY, the GLORY of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:14)

 

 

Pray to see if your church might find this as a new ministry?

 

Mike