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Topic: MIX (10/22/15)
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TITLE: Crossing Borders | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ingrid Forsberg
10/26/15 -
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Finding a church where I fit in was not an easy task. Each Sunday I visited a different church. One made me feel like I was at the huge LAX airport in Los Angeles. The church was a big busy place where I was a forever stranger who could come and go undetected. Another church had free ear plugs in the foyer for those who did not want to go deaf during the rock concert-like worship music. Since I struggle to worship under those conditions, I kept church hunting. I visited churches of various denominations. One left me feeling like I had gone to church at a Chuck E Cheese restaurant. The opposite of the Chuck E Cheese church felt like a cemetery, it was about that dead. It was like sitting among the frozen chosen. Also, I am not against senior citizens, but at 63 I was the youngest person at another church. I called it the Social Security Church.
My persistence finally paid off. I found a church in a denomination I had not visited before that felt like home. The music was not overwhelming. I heard voices singing the words to the tasteful blend of old hymns and newer songs. The atmosphere allowed me to focus on worshiping God without distractions. The meaty Bible-based sermons fed me spiritually. Every time I attended I was greeted with a warm welcome that was genuine, not for show. It was no surprise to me the church parking lot was so full. I was brought up Pentecostal but this wonderful church was not Pentecostal. Could it become my church home anyway? I was invited to the pastor’s Sunday school class for visitors. After becoming sure of my salvation he asked if I would like to join the church.
“Pastor,” I said in answer to his question, “my background is Pentecostal. Yes, I am born again by grace through faith and not by works. It is a gift purchased by Jesus on the cross. But I am not a Calvinist. I will attend church here. But you don’t want a Pentecostal in membership here do you?” I wasn’t there to argue. I did not want to be divisive. I just wanted to worship with these dear saints.
“I’m not a Calvinist either,” he replied. “and, yes you are welcome to become a member of this church.“
Eventually I returned to California. Now I am attending a Pentecostal church. However, I remain in contact with my non-Pentecostal church family in Kansas. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ and I love them.
Often I think about eternity and my heavenly home. What an exciting assortment of saints of every age, culture, race and background will be there. I can’t wait.
(This is non-fiction.)
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Even in nonfiction works, readers enjoy a bit of dialogue (like that you have with the pastor of the church you eventually decided on). Shorter, snappier paragraphs will improve the flow. Include more details, not only about the churches but also about you. I know that you were from CA and that you were 63, but from what's here, I don't know if you're male or female, or if you have a family, or your occupation, or anything else about you. It will help your readers to relate to you if you work those details into your narrative.
Great humor though! Keep writing!