I’m reminded more and more that we are still in Covid times – but never more than when I see the ways that so many folks are out of the rhythms of church.

I hear from people all the time who say things like, “I went to this church pre-covid but I haven’t gotten back into church since.” If this is you – I want to challenge you to make 2022 the year that you take back those Sunday rhythms that have been lost for so many for almost two years. Do your research online, I think that’s one of the biggest blessings of the times we’re in, watch some sermons, talk with folks you know that attend that church, and make a plan. Visit a church 3 times in a row before you write it off unless they’re crazy. 😉 And when you find a church you like, don’t just settle with being a regular attender. Get plugged in. Use the gifts God has given you. Find a community that will encourage you and walk beside you in the good times and bad.

We need each other. We need the Church.

If you’ve remained connected to your local church or you’ve found a new one, ask God to show you people in your world that might be waiting for an invitation to join you.

One of the most encouraging things that God has asked me to do since our church re-opened for regular services is to ask people I run into where they go to church. I do this everywhere! Costco cashier – I look at his name tag and after making pleasant conversation, I say “Tony, where do you go to church?” Tony will either tell me where he goes to church or he’ll say he doesn’t go at all, or he’s looking for a new church (my favorite answer!). No matter his response, I say some variation of this – “Well Tony, I go to Mosaic Church off McLean and Jackson and you’ve got a seat by me anytime you want to join us!” If I’m lucky, I have a card with our church info that we printed and I try to keep in my pocket.

Here’s the thing: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it as many times as the Lord allows – if we really believe that Jesus is who he says he is, we have work to do. People are searching for the hope we have in Jesus and it’s not just our job but if we’ll allow it, it is and will always be our joy to tell them.