When I was in high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, our church youth group went on a retreat.  The first night some of the youth had an all-night prayer meeting.  The next morning some of the youth leaders heard about it and weren’t happy.  They called for a meeting of all the youth.

Some of the leaders felt that the all-night prayer meeting was developing division through hyper-spirituality.  In the debate, the attendees became divided into two camps: the “spiritual” youth and the ordinary ones.  I had friends on both sides.  I just wanted everyone to get along and love each other.  There was one youth leader who expressed that very thought.  He was the gymnastic teacher at one of the high schools.  He was physically trim, tanned, handsome and loving.

The church ended up being split.  It broke my heart to see the “spiritual” ones leaving the church.  It has always broken my heart when people leave the church.  Paul taught that everything must be done in love.  I have always felt that sticking with a church through thick and thin was the most loving thing to do.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Care for the Church” from Acts 20:27-38.  We’ll talk about “Shepherd the Church,” verses 27-31; and “Give,” verses 32-38.  This is Paul’s instructions to the Ephesian elders whom he figured he’d never see again until they got to heaven.  It’s a moving and wonderful passage.  Please join us Sunday as we learn from it.

Love,

Jim Meek