You ever spend time in a place and love the vibe so much that you want more of it? I had one of those experiences at my mothers church recently. To keep it real, I probably just miss going to church because I work the weekends. But this was different.
Home can be a tricky place for people. A mixed bag of feelings with lots of history and nostalgia. Sometimes home is a specific house. My wife grew up in 1 house her entire life and her parents still live in it. Home, for her, is a house. I lived in many houses growing up and so home for me is a region. East Texas is my home. And this little church I went to was full of east Texas energy.
Cowboy boots, gnarly beards, lots of babies, smiling mamas, and proud dads. It's the kind of church that you really don't want to walk into with bad intentions. You'd have to see it to really know what I mean. But a church that is FULL of dudes with firm handshakes, a little love, and a little danger in their eyes is a sight to behold.
Jesus was glorified. The Spirit was present. There was no hype, light show, or choir. Just a beautiful couple with a guitar and a microphone. You ever seen a good ole boy with a tender heart for Jesus lead worship alongside his wife? I'm not crying, you're crying.
The preaching was brief, to the point, and Christ centered. It was clear that he knew it wasn't about him and he was just there to point to the God who became flesh with the intention to die. A pastor should do nothing more. One thing I will mention about this dude. You know that whole mix of love and danger in the eyes thing...
I do not think I have ever been to a church that felt like home. But this one did. Maybe it's just the season of life that I am going through. Maybe I am craving familiarity because there so much change? Cowboys boots, beards, and Jesus make me feel safe. Maybe I like the love and danger in the eyes because i'm in a fight and want winners in my corner? No wusses allowed.
Who knows what God has in store for my future. But i'm thankful for old friends, authentic worship and intentional men that made last Sunday so restorative to my aching heart. The Lord is with you Wilderness Church. Give no quarter and love without restraint.
I’ve never been to a church that felt like home more than this one… unfortunate life events caused me not to return. But the church is one of a kind and the people make it that way.