This past Sunday, I preached a message entitled "I dream of a church." If you are a part of the Hilton Head Island Community Church family and did not have the opportunity to hear it, I encourage you to take a listen this week. On our four year anniversary and the dawn of this new chapter now called Hilton Head Island Community Church, I wanted to define what kind of church we are to be. We'll get to what we'll do as a church in the days, weeks and months to come, but I thought it was important to describe who we should be right out of the gate.
I dream of a church...
- ...that tells people that they can belong before they must believe or behave.
- ...that offers people the opportunity to deal with their habits, hurts and hang-ups without the embarassment of being judged.
- ...that is a spiritual urgent care center open for people to receive healing in a time of crisis.
- ...that demonstrates the love of Christ to those who are suffering.
- ...that allows broken people who have been redeemed to passionately worship God.
It may not always be easy or pretty. In fact, sometimes it'll be downright difficult and messy. God's love is so strong that there is NOTHING that can seperate us from it (Romans 8:38-39). In light of this, we should be compelled to create an environment for people to be drawn toward that love regardless of where they are coming from. The world needs the answer we have. Let's not be afraid to share it!
