Growth & Diversity

One of the traits that has seemed to mark our ministry is that of diversity. For over 20 years that has been a comment given to me by many people. Any given week at Christ Life our seats are filled with a smorgasboard of different backgrounds. It blesses me that in our services there are homeless being ministered to by others that make six digit incomes. The ethnic diversity is a lesson in and of itself as approximately 30% of our fellowship are minorities (I don't like using that word). We have city folk (not Enterprise people-I mean New York City) and we have country folk (once again not Enterprise-I'm talking people who are proud members of crossroads communities). Heck, we have someone from Africa!

One of the things I am really honored by...is the denominational diversity. I know that would be scary for you hardliners, that is, accepting others that don't think just like you. But, it has been refreshing! I love to hear a good ... AMEN! Especially, if I'm preaching good! I hate to hear AMEN when I say "in conclusion".

Seriously, as I woke up this morning I was thinking about the distinctively different Christian backgrounds at Christ Life. I have seen people from one back ground stand wide-eyed and staring as others from another background worshipped. Not that it is out of control, but you put different denominations in one of our worship services and there distinctiveness comes out. Some have never seen the words posted on the wall...while others have never seen a red back hymnal.

I gotta tell you something funny about two of the families that has joined our church in the past couple months. One is from a Baptist background...and the other from a Pentecostal background. They are both precious...they are both proud to be part of what is happening at Christ Life...and they are both very different in the way they express their worship. My pentecostal friends were letting out a little shout...even had a little bounce during worship...it was really awesome as the fellow from the Baptist background reached over, tapped his son...I didn't need to hear what he said he was pointing and they were locked on...both families came afterward and commented how much they enjoyed service.

I know as alot of people try to reach a particular segment of society I find great joy in diversity. Just to let you know...at the beginning of 2010 we had maybe 25 people that I know counted Christ Life as their church...its April and I can easily count over 100 that look to Christ Life as their place of worship. And the diversity would amaze you! I thank God for each and every person that is a part of Christ Life ..rich...poor...black...white...hispanic...Baptist...Liturgical...Pentecostal...we even have a few heathens...I love you all.