A Safe Place
A few weeks ago, I drove past a fire station near Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Outside the station, where everybody could see, was a large sign which read, “Safe Place.” Thinking about that sign, I realized that those who worked in that firehouse were committed to making that fire house a shelter for anybody who felt in danger and came to them for protection.
Is this significantly different from what God would have our church be—a truly safe, accepting, encouraging place?
We could all recall incidents we have observed or experienced “unsafe” treatment. It might have been from someone who spoke before thinking. Maybe a “spiritual watchdog” was only speaking to uphold a cherished standard. Perhaps the comment came from a person who only wanted to share some “constructive criticism.” (By the way, there is no such thing as constructive criticism if it is not requested.) Perhaps it was only an innocent inquiry about something we wish we could forget—especially during the Sabbath hours.
Regardless of the source or purpose, it hurt. Church became a very unsafe place.
We can probably guarantee that anytime we gather together, somebody in our midst is hurting, discouraged, or disenchanted. They may well be giving Christ and His body one last chance to demonstrate the kind of Christian love and acceptance which they are desperately seeking.
Let’s resolve that, in a unique sense, our church will be a safe place for these hurting individuals. Let’s resolve to fulfill our part in personifying Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matt: 11:28, NLT) Let’s make and keep our church a safe place.
Stop the presses!!! I just looked at the draft of the new February Newsletter. Somebody submitted an EXCELLENT idea—“What if we set aside every first Sabbath of the month as INVITATION SABBATH?” What a great idea! Let’s begin next Sabbath. I’ll pledge to do everything I know to make the sermons on each first Sabbath especially “visitor friendly.”
This is an idea worth talking about. Let me know your ideas.
By Pastor Sherman McCormick |
Download the 
Listen to "