Awesome Church

[Dr. Shane]

We have an awesome church. I am convinced of that. Of course there are times that are not always so great. Times that we have to deal with disagreements. Yet looking at the church experience over a period of time - such as ten years - I cannot imagine any other organization that would provide such a fantastic life.

I consider these things:

• Adventist Education. We have elementary schools that not only teach Biblical values to our children but allow us to interact with other parents including those of our childrens' friends. Our academies and colleges are also great for those that can afford them.
• Pathfinders. Our Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs provide a means to make our children well-rounded individuals and opportunities for our adult members to be useful in so doing.
• Summer Camps. Many of our youth make a decision for Christ at our summer camps.
• Camp Meetings. Camp meetings provide revival for the church.
• Community Services: ACS provides great opportunities for members to serve those in need and bond with other members doing the same.
• Music Ministries. Music ministries give members reasons to learn to play instruments, sing in choirs and quartets, or other musical endeavors. Adventist music concerts provide some of the best worship and entertainment I have ever experienced.
• Adventist Presses. Our presses print books for all kinds of people. They print books for kids, families, students and every sort of believer. They also print the "Little Friend" and "Primary Treasure" as well as other Sabbath School material for all ages. They print magazines and newsletters too.
• Family Worship. Family worship puts to use printed material, music and prayer to create a distinct culture in Adventist homes.
• Adventist Media. 3ABN, Hope Channel and Adventist radio brings Adventist culture into our homes. Even those that do not live in areas where they can enjoy big Adventist bands and other events can experience them via satellite TV and radio.
• Evangelistic Crusades. Working together to put on a crusade is so rewarding. Befriending those that attend and answering questions is very edifying.
• Adventist Forums. Of course we must also include Adventist forums like this one. These forums allow us to bond to other Adventists that live all around the world. We learn from each other and hopefully, we learn how to get along with others more.
• Potlucks: Potlucks are a social bonding for members. There is something about eating with another person that creates a bonding experience. There is a reason why so many first dates involve going out to eat. Some churches have potlucks every Sabbath.
• Ingathering. Going out door to door in the snow or caroling is a wonderful bonding experience. Coming back afterward to a warm room and hot apple juice provides a great environment for fellowship.

I am sure I have forgotten some things. For those of us that choose to get active with the church and participate as much as we can. When we look back over a decade or more of time spent with other believers I think most of us will see it as a very positive experience.

[phkrause]

I agree, I think we take our church for granted, and do alot of complaining about certain things. Good post Shane.

pk

[Dr. Shane]

I think we miss out on a lot of what is going on within our church too. I mean, we could be experiencing more and getting more out of the Adventist experience if we got more involved. By not getting involved we are cheating ourselves out of a wonderful experience.

[Neil D]

I think we miss out on a lot of what is going on within our church too. I mean, we could be experiencing more and getting more out of the Adventist experience if we got more involved. By not getting involved we are cheating ourselves out of a wonderful experience.

But the question is- why don't we get involved? People are very much into good times...and sometimes things get in the way of church, but usually if we are not involved, it indiccates that we have problems with the church members...It's a relationship problem....and time for a bit more mercy from our part and sprinkled with a lot of grace....