kristaphillips 
I love the heart behind this new church. It isn’t to “steal” members away from other churches. It isn’t to compete with current churches.
It’s to open our arms to people seeking restoration. It’s to show Jesus’ love to all who walk through the doors. It’s about leading people to Christ, showing them that God wants to put the past where it belongs, behind you, and to walk with you into the future.
And isn’t that really what restoration is all about? And more than that, what church is all about, too?
STORY TIME
(the churches in this story will rename nameless because I don’t roll like that…)
A few years ago, I was at home and someone knocked on my door. I opened it, a child on my hip (I think Gabby at the time) and two older gentleman stood outside. One of them was stuffing something into their pocket quickly and obviously trying to hide it.
They gave their speul about their church and how they would love for me to attend. I told them I already knew Jesus and already had a church family, but they still attempted to woo me to their church the next Sunday.
I don’t know if it was God or if it was the Devil, but I couldn’t control the words that came out of my mouth.
To the man who had manically stuffed something in his coat pocket: “Sir, did you take something off my door?”
Man: “Uh, I, uh, yeah. It was just an advertisement or something.”
Emboldened me: “May I have it back please?”
Man: “Um, uh, yeah.”
He handed me the crumpled door hanger.
I opened it and looked at it. It was a flyer for another church in town, same denomination as the ones who were at my door.
I thanked him and bid them good day, knowing by their faces that my point had been made.
The not-so-funny part?
The guy who had stuffed that in his pocket was the pastor.
Moral of the Story
Church is not a competition.
and sometimes… even pastors can use some restoration!!!
If you live in the Spring Hill area and are in search of a church home, or just want to find out more about restoration, come see us! Restoration’s first “preview” service is THIS Sunday. For more details, to go their website here!
DISCUSSION: I’m a big believer that God doesn’t choose who goes to heaven by denomination. He cares much more about our hearts. I LOVE the diverse nature of his church and how we can all, despite our differences, love each other.
In that spirit, I thought it’d be fun to share what denomonation we’re all in!
I’ll start. While I’ve attended Baptist, Methodist, Non-denomination, and Missionary in the past… my church home is the Nazarene Church. (After all, Jesus was a Nazarene… and we’re to be like Jesus right?? *grin* Sorry, a bit of church humor!)
Hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend!!!
I was raised Catholic by my momma, although my daddy and sister were Baptist. I was saved and Baptized in a Southern Baptist church. I moved somewhere in the middle to the United Methodist church when I was an adult. I married a born and bred General Baptist preacher who now pastors a United Methodist church that doesn't adhere to many (if any) precepts that make United Methodists United Methodist. (It was a Methodist church 202 years ago when the church was established, and that's how the name has stayed.) How's that for ecumenical? 😀
Sounds exciting!!!! 🙂
I was raised Catholic, then raised independent southern baptist, then had a taste of some charismatic church stuff and am now settled in a non-denominational church. 😉
GOOD FOR YOU! My husband is a church planter, and I know from experience when the new church is a "daughter church" is isn't always easy on those from the mother church. I commend you for committing to a not easy but very rewarding way to live the gospel.
Non-denominational for me! 🙂
I was raised Catholic! Even went to a Catholic high school. (Did you know that, Krista?) But now, yep! I'm a Nazarene.
Thank you for your beautiful post. I truly hope what you see as Restoration Church is what is displayed to everyone who walks through our doors…and those we may happen to knock on! LOL.