While the father waited in line for popcorn at the movie theater, his family went inside to find some seats.
By the time the father purchased snacks, the theater's lights were so low he could not find his family.
Finally, in frustration, he called out, “Does anyone recognize me?”
This is the often silent cry of most people who seek fellowship. "Does anyone see me?" "Will anyone help me through this journey of life?" "Will I be accepted even if I have questions and doubts?"
Often, when people are“church shopping,” they seek a congregation that will welcome them, nurture them in their faith, provide shelter from the world's pitfalls, and extend a helping hand in times of challenge.
Nothing else matters. This includes the number of programs a congregation offers, the number of people packing pews or the number of Biblical scholars who grace the Sunday school program.
All Christians are called to have Jesus Christ's eyes, heart, hands and feet. We don’t represent a particular denomination or theological frame of mind; we represent him and him alone.
Allow your eyes to look at the people around you with Jesus Christ's eyes. Who do you see? What do you see them wrestling with?
Let your heart be led by Jesusand determine the best ways to engage your hands, feet and words as his representative.
Allow yourself to offer nurture, shelter, and spiritual fellowship in Jesus Christ's name to further the work of his kingdom here on this earth.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Church members represent Jesus to the world