Building Strong Bridges
In the aftermath of a recent hurricane (Helene), several bridges were destroyed, cutting off communities and isolating people. This reminds us of how crucial bridges are, not just in infrastructure but in relationships. In the church, we’re called to be bridge builders—connecting, encouraging, and uniting one another.
Building strong relationships takes time and effort. Just as a bridge supports travelers, trust and communication supports church members. Jesus modeled this with His disciples, investing three years in their growth. We must be intentional in how we invest in each other’s lives. We must be proactive in making time for meaningful connections.
On the flip side, we must avoid burning bridges through anger, frustration, or gossip. These actions can destroy relationships just like fire or floods can wreck physical bridges. The Bible warns us against harboring anger, as it only leads to division (Genesis 4:3-8). Instead, we should seek forgiveness and reconciliation, as Jesus did with Peter.
Let’s also be careful with our words, using them to build up rather than tear down. Encouragement is like the solid foundation of a strong bridge—helping relationships thrive. So, here’s the challenge: Be a bridge builder! Commit to building strong relationships through love, unity, and trust. Together, we can build something strong that lasts!
Is the Church a Spooky Place?
Ghosts, Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves, it's Halloween once again! This time of year many like to think about what makes us afraid like haunted houses and spooky decorations. But what if the scariest place for some people isn’t a haunted house—but the church? Surprisingly, the church can be a scary place for some—though not because of ghouls or monsters, but because of three common issues: cliques, unrealistic expectations of perfection, and hypocrisy.
First, cliques can make people feel excluded. When certain groups form tight circles, newcomers may feel left out. The church is meant to be a welcoming body, where people can come to learn about God (Luke 15:1-2).
Second, unrealistic expectations create an intimidating atmosphere. If church feels like a place for the “perfect” or “spiritually elite,” people struggling with sin or lack of Bible knowledge may feel they don’t belong. But Jesus came for the sick, not the healthy (Mark 2:17), reminding us that the church is a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints.
Lastly, hypocrisy, or “wearing masks,” is scary because it creates a false image. When people hide their struggles to appear righteous, it sets unrealistic standards. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 23:27, calling for authenticity, not pretense. To make the church less intimidating, let’s break down cliques, embrace grace, and remove our masks, creating a community where everyone can belong and grow.